.jpg)
WISNER — The Wisner-Pilger Gators have powered their way into the Class D1 state playoffs on the strength of a bruising ground game, a confident dualthreat quarterback, and a stingy defense.
Hartington-Newcastle will travel to Wisner this Thursday for a first-round playoff game.
The Gators wrapped up the regular season at 6-2, finishing second in D1-2 District play.
After dropping an early nondistrict matchup to Plainview, Wisner-Pilger rolled off five straight wins before a narrow loss to Pender in Week 8. Their résumé includes big victories over Wakefield (64-14), Tri County Northeast (58-8) and Homer (56-12), showcasing an offense that averaged more than 45 points per game in that stretch.
The Gators’ attack runs through junior Jaxon Knoell, who has developed into one of Class D1’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. Knoell has been responsible for multiple fourtouchdown nights, including two passing and two rushing scores in the win at Homer. He’s also among district leaders in rushing yards with more than 500 on the season.
Alongside him, senior Blaine Bellar has handled much of the between-the-tackles work, consistently finding the end zone in short-yardage situations. When the Gators air it out, receiver Jase Alexander has been the goto target — his touchdown grab against Guardian Angels Central Catholic sealed a 28-20 win.
Defensively, Wisner-Pilger has held four of its last six opponents to two scores or fewer. Linebackers Hayden Schroeder and Knoxyn Thies anchor a fast, aggressive unit that thrives on pursuit and tackling fundamentals.
The first-round matchup with Hartington-Newcastle promises to be physical. The Wildcats enter at 6-2 as well, led by a capable backfield and an opportunistic defense.
The teams last met in 2023, when Wisner-Pilger edged out a 34-26 win.
