GRAND ISLAND — The 2025 Ord Chanticleers saw their impressive postseason run come to an end Friday night, falling 23–13 to Grand Island Central Catholic in the Class C2 state semifinals. Though the loss ended Ord’s season one game short of Memorial Stadium, it did nothing to overshadow the heart, resilience, and growth that defined this team’s journey from an 0–3 start to an eight-game winning streak and a place among Nebraska’s final four.
Ord struck first when senior quarterback Jordan Williams broke loose for a 46-yard touchdown run on the opening drive. GICC quickly answered with a long scoring pass, and the two teams traded blows throughout a physical first half. The Crusaders inched ahead with a second-quarter field goal and added a short touchdown run before the half to take a 16–7 lead into halftime.
The Chanticleers fought back in the third quarter, sparked by a hard-nosed 11-yard touchdown run from Haydin Nelson, who finished the night with 116 rushing yards. Williams added 103 yards on the ground and accounted for both of Ord’s touchdowns. Despite closing the gap to 23–13, the Chanticleers could never fully seize momentum after GICC connected on a 53-yard touchdown pass early in the third.
Ultimately, the Crusaders’ explosive passing attack proved the difference, as Ord’s defense worked tirelessly to keep the Chanticleers within striking distance. Ord finished with 244 rushing yards on the night and 14 first downs, controlling long stretches of the game, but was unable to convert 4th downs in Crusader territory.
What this team accomplished over the past two months was an incredible turnaround. After opening the season 0–3, the Chanticleers won eight straight games, including a convincing first-round playoff win and a gritty quarterfinal victory over Cedar Catholic that showcased the team’s toughness and belief.
The loss also marked the final game for 12 seniors, a group that played a massive role in the team’s identity and growth. Their leadership, character, and commitment guided the program through the early-season adversity and helped forge one of the tightest, most resilient teams.
“This is a special group of young men,” Head Coach Nate Wells said after the game. “They grew more than any group we’ve ever coached, from where we started to where we finished in the semifinals. Our seniors set the tone, and our team followed their lead. We couldn’t be prouder of them. Though the season ended one step short of our ultimate goal, this 2025 Chanticleer team will be remembered not for the final score, but for the heart they showed, the growth they embraced, and the belief that carried them from an 0–3 start to the doorstep of a state championship berth.”
Game Leaders
Ord Chanticleers
Passing: J. Williams - 2/9, 0 Yds 1 Int
Rushing: J. Williams - 17 Att, 103 Yds, 1 TD, H. Nelson - 15 Att, 116 Yds, 1 TD, B. Wells - 10 Att, 24 Yds, E. Ryschon 1 Att, 1 Yd
Receiving: B. Wells - 2 Rec, 0 Yds
Tackling: C. Lytle - 9 Tk, 2 Sck, 2 Tkf, H. Nelson - 12 Tk, 2 Tfl, J. Williams - 10 Tk, C. Thompson - 7 Tk, B. Wells - 7 Tk, H. Winkelbauer - 7 Tk, G. Geiser - 6 Tk
Takeaways: None
Kicking: C. Meyer - 1/1 Pats