ARCADIA, Neb. — Arcadia/Loup City made one of the largest improvements in Nebraska eight-man football last season, jumping from two wins in 2024 to a 7-2 record and a return to the Class D-1 playoffs.
The Rebels finished 4-1 in district play and won seven of their first eight games before their season ended with a 44-42 double-overtime loss to McCool Junction in the opening round of the playoffs.
Now, with several leading contributors gone, second-year head coach Cody Chilewski wants his young team to prove last season was only the beginning.
“The biggest thing that changed was all the buy-in we had from the seniors and then down through the rest of the program with all the underclassmen,” Chilewski said. “The senior leadership we had last year was really the biggest part of our success and a big part that we’re going to have to replace.”
The turnaround earned Chilewski the Class D-1 Berens Coaching Award. Although the recognition meant a great deal to the Arcadia/Loup City graduate, he quickly credited his players and assistants.
“I love being back here at home, and it meant a lot to me,” he said. “The kids and my assistants, they also get 100% of the credit as well. I wouldn’t be in this place without them, and we wouldn’t have had the season we had without them.”
The Rebels’ playoff loss has motivated the offseason. Arcadia/Loup City rushed for 398 yards against McCool Junction but fell one conversion short of advancing.
“The kids are super motivated about it,” Chilewski said. “We got back to the playoffs, so we accomplished that goal. They wanted to go further. We just fell short in overtime, so it’s motivated the kids a lot. They’ve been working hard all summer.”
Repeating last season’s success will require the Rebels to replace most of their offensive production.
Tyce Calleroz led the team with 91.4 rushing yards per game, followed closely by Joseph Ducker at 89.1 and Ryan Kaslon at 76.7.
The three seniors combined for 34 rushing touchdowns and 38 total scores. Ducker led Arcadia/Loup City with 14 touchdowns, while Calleroz and Kaslon scored 12 apiece.
“We’re going to go running back by committee,” Chilewski said. “We’re not going to have nearly the size of what Joe brought to the table, and then just the speed and experience that all three of those guys had. It’s tough to replace.”
Hudson Obermiller, Justin Conner, Bennett Rademaker and Knight Dobson are among the players expected to receive opportunities in the backfield. Chilewski also plans to spread the field more frequently this season.
One of the team’s biggest changes involves moving experienced quarterback Eli Jaixen to receiver. Jaixen completed 46.9% of his passes last season and threw two touchdowns. He also recorded two interceptions on defense.
Jaixen worked at quarterback and receiver during the summer before earning offensive MVP honors at a team camp while playing receiver.
“He did some great things up at camp when we bumped him out there,” Chilewski said. “Moving him out to receiver gives us another weapon out there on the field.”
Isaac Fitzgerald and Rademaker are expected to share quarterback responsibilities, with their playing time potentially determined by formations and specific situations.
Although the Rebels will be young, their three seniors have worked to fill the leadership void left by last year’s class.
“It’s a small but mighty group,” Chilewski said. “The leadership they have shown throughout the summer — they were making sure kids were getting there and working hard while they were there. Through the conditioning process and everything, they were helping the young kids out whenever they needed it.”
Obermiller will be a centerpiece of the defense after leading the Rebels with 14.3 tackles per game as a freshman. He finished ahead of senior linebackers Ducker, who averaged 12.9 tackles, and Brogan Setlik, who added 11.4.
Obermiller also recovered a fumble and earned first-team all-district recognition during his debut season.
“I knew he was going to play, but I didn’t expect him to lead the team in tackles,” Chilewski said. “He did a great job. This year, he’s gotten bigger, faster and stronger, so I expect to see the same thing out of him again.”
The defense must also replace Wyatt Stieb, who led the Rebels with 4.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries. Chayden Sekutera is among the returning players who could help fill that void after recording 2.5 sacks as a freshman.
Arcadia/Loup City will be tested throughout its 2026 schedule. The Rebels open at home against Alma on Aug. 28 before facing West Holt, Amherst and Elm Creek in non-district action.
District play includes Sandy Creek, Centura, Hastings St. Cecilia and Ravenna. Chilewski believes that group could be among the strongest districts in the state.
“We know it’s going to be tough, but we’re looking forward to those matchups to see where we stand as a team,” he said. “We’re going to be working hard every day and put ourselves in position to make a run for that district title.”
The opening matchup against Alma will present an immediate contrast in styles. Chilewski expects Alma to spread the field, while the Rebels will attempt to establish their physical identity.
“We’re going to have to be able to defend the pass,” Chilewski said. “Hopefully our physicality is what gets us through and wins that game for us.”
That physical style is what Chilewski wants people to recognize whenever they watch the Rebels this fall.
“You’re going to hear pads popping,” he said, “and it’s going to be fun to watch.”
