Storm roll to season-opening win over Knights

OMAHA — After an early exit in last year’s Class A State Football Playoffs, Elkhorn South looked poised and determined to make a deep playoff run in 2023 after disposing of Lincoln Southeast 35-7 Friday.

The Storm found the end zone early and often in the first half.

Jaydon Sutko opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown plunge midway through the opening quarter.

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Elkhorn South exploded for three more scores in the second quarter to take a 28-0 edge into the break.

Gavin Shanahan found paydirt from 6-yards out, followed by a 28-yard TD scamper by Sutko.

With the Storm backed up on their own end, their playmaking quarterback made his presence felt. Senior Carson Rauner went 92-yards, untouched, to cap the scoring in the second quarter.

While the offense was clicking on all cylinders, the defense was playing its patented stifling and physical defense. Ethan Duda recorded two turnovers in the first 24 minutes of play, recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass, as the navy and gold held the Knights scoreless in the first half.

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Rauner capped the scoring in the second half with a 1-yard touchdown plunge midway through the third quarter.

The Knights scored their lone touchdown in the fourth quarter, against the Storm reserves. 

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Elkhorn South dominated the line of scrimmage, outgaining Lincoln Southeast by nearly 200 yards on the ground.

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Rauner accumulated more than 200 yards of offense on the day. The senior gunslinger went 8-for-9 passing for 104 yards, while also rushing for 156 yards and two scores. Sutko ran for 56 yards and a pair of TD; Luke Hoskinson caught six passes for 92 yards and Shanahan added 25 yards rushing and a score.

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Elkhorn South (1-0) hits the road Friday to face Millard South (1-0) at Buell Stadium at 7 p.m.