All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Junior Ben Classen amassed more than 750 yards rushing as Niwot's run-first starting quarterback in 2021, but was also responsible for 61 tackles on the other side of the field.
Senior Bryce Nemec (50) was named second team All-State for 2021. He recorded a total of 59 tackles on the defense, and also played a key role on the offensive line.
With a 4-6 record, Niwot football had one its most successful season since 2008 and in turn, its top players received some impressive individual hardware.
On the CHSAA All-State lists, offensive/defensive lineman Bryce Nemec's stellar senior campaign earned him a spot on the second team while junior quarterback/defensive back Ben Classen was an honorable mention.
Playing in all 10 games, Nemec recorded 59 total tackles, including nine tackles for a loss. It didn't take long for Head Coach Nik Blume and his assistant coaches to unlock the raw talent Nemec brought to the gridiron.
"When Bryce was a junior, myself and my staff had just just shown up and didn't really know a lot about what we had," Blume said. "As we jumped in, it was pretty obvious he was going to be a big contributor."
For Classen, he was given some difficult shoes to fill this season with replacing former Niwot standout Ayden Bartko at quarterback. Although Classen struggled with injuries at times, his on-field leadership made a palpable difference according to Blume.
"He filled in great at that quarterback spot this year," Blume said. "His teammates had a lot more confidence and carried themselves better when he was on the field."
Classen operated a run-heavy attack that helped him rush for 754 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ended the season as Niwot's leading tackler with 61 bring-downs.
Several other Cougars were given All-Conference honors in the 3A North Central 3 League: Nemec, Classen, senior wide receiver/defensive back Craig Wright and senior running back/linebacker Thomas Carnagie made the first team. The Cougars also had a few honorable mentions including two senior offensive linemen, Matt Duncan and Brad Bair, and senior running back/defensive back Easten Leatherwood.
Blume said that Carnagie was a "diamond in the rough" early in his career and developed into one of the Cougars' top rushers. Likewise, Wright's three interceptions helped him get noticed around the conference and Leatherwood continued to be a versatile tailback for the Cougars. The second-year head coach was also glad his two senior linemen could get some recognition.
"All of our success is really due to our offensive line," Blume said. "Those two guys (Duncan and Bair), along with Bryce (Nemec), are going to be sorely missed next year."
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