HASTINGS, Neb. – The 2024 Hastings College football team is looking to do something no other Bronco team has done since 2009. Earn a spot in the postseason.

They finished 5-6 last fall with a rather young squad. Now Sophomore Carson Kudlacek saw regular playing time at Quarterback as a true freshman.

The Hastings St. Cecilia hometown product is expected to be the starting QB this fall after Eli Knappe, the team’s other QB last year, is transitioning to wide receiver.

"Last year, 24 points a game – it's not enough," said Kudlacek. "This year we feel like we're miles ahead of where we were last year, so hopefully we can put up more points in the game."

A spot the Broncos also look to improve upon is the defense which allowed 34 points per game last season, including five games of allowing more than 40 points.

Only six seniors on defense graduated which returns a lot of talent, including the leading tackler of the Broncos Jayden Roberts.
He says the defense is making sure they treat every play like the game is on the line.

Their motto is: "OTF, 'Own the Finish.' If the ball's in the air, we're not watching it, we're running to the play," said Junior Linebacker Roberts. "Finish any tackle, finish any interceptions or takeaways."

Hastings College is the direction of Head Coach Matt Franzen, who’s entering his 4th season at the helm of the team.

He has three new veteran assistant coaches to work with this year, including longtime Grand Island Senior High Football Coach Jeff Tomlin. Franzen says he feels like the new staff can take this team a long way.

"It's been a great addition to the program to add veteran experience," said Franzen. "That's an area I can unequivocally say has been a big gain for us as a program is in the coaching staff. We've really added some nice pieces there."

The squad says they have a couple of games this season circled on the calendar.

"Me personally, I want to beat Doane this year because it was a real nail-biter last year," said Roberts. "Also, I want to beat Northwestern, they're the number one team, and I just want to get a win on them."

"I'm looking forward to game one, night game, it'll be a good game," said Kudlacek. "And then a tough contest with Northwestern in week two. They were just in the national championship, so should be a good game."

The Broncos open the 2024 season at home against Peru State on August 31 at 6:00 p.m.