8-Man Football Kick-Off Classic Coming to Grand Island
Inaugural ‘8-Man Kickoff Classic’ Brings Six Teams to Historic Memorial Stadium
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — 8-Man football comes to Nebraska’s favorite Island next week as six top-tier high school programs face off in the inaugural "Nebraska's Favorite Island 8-Man Kickoff Classic". The one day football showcase will take place on Saturday, August 29th.
Hosted at the historic Grand Island Senior High Memorial Stadium, the day promises to be filled with classic football energy kicking-off in the afternoon and running through the evening. Fans can enjoy the full slate of games with convenient day passes available at the gate, allowing entry for the entire run of matchups.
Brought to life in partnership with Grand Island Tourism and Grand Island Senior High Activities, the inaugural one-day classic looks to be an annual tradition “on the Island”.
“Grand Island Senior High is eager to bring this 8-man football event to Grand Island.” Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director, said. “We are excited to host this event and have been working hard to create an experience that these student-athletes, coaches, and communities will never forget. I would like to thank Coach Fuller of Hartington-Newcastle, Coach Clarkson of Clarkson, Coach Blevins of Lawrence-Nelson, and Coach Kronhofman of Arapahoe for the work they have done to get this started. Brad Mellema with Grand Island Tourism has been instrumental in partnering with us to ensure the schools have a great experience on top of playing at one of the best high school facilities in Nebraska. We look forward to welcoming these communities and football fanatics to historic Memorial Stadium next week!”
Three games, six teams, and plenty of gridiron action bringing together fans from across the state. Action kicks off at 1:30 PM when Arapahoe battles Clarkson, setting the stage for a day of 8-Man clashes. At 4:30 PM, Dundy County Stratton and Hartington-Newcastle battle it out on the field. The tripleheader concludes under the lights at 7:30 PM as Elm Creek caps off the event against Lawrence-Nelson.
To keep the crowd fueled throughout the event, the stadium concession stand will offer gameday favorites, including pizza, nachos, ice-cold Coca-Cola products, and more.
Event Schedule for Saturday, August 29:
1:30 PM: Arapahoe vs. Clarkson
4:30 PM: Dundy County Stratton vs. Hartington-Newcastle
7:30 PM: Elm Creek vs. Lawrence-Nelson
Inaugural ‘8-Man Kickoff Classic’ Brings Six Teams to Historic Memorial Stadium
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — 8-Man football comes to Nebraska’s favorite Island next week as six top-tier high school programs face off in the inaugural "Nebraska's Favorite Island 8-Man Kickoff Classic". The one day football showcase will take place on Saturday, August 29th.
Hosted at the historic Grand Island Senior High Memorial Stadium, the day promises to be filled with classic football energy kicking-off in the afternoon and running through the evening. Fans can enjoy the full slate of games with convenient day passes available at the gate, allowing entry for the entire run of matchups.
Brought to life in partnership with Grand Island Tourism and Grand Island Senior High Activities, the inaugural one-day classic looks to be an annual tradition “on the Island”.
“Grand Island Senior High is eager to bring this 8-man football event to Grand Island.” Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director, said. “We are excited to host this event and have been working hard to create an experience that these student-athletes, coaches, and communities will never forget. I would like to thank Coach Fuller of Hartington-Newcastle, Coach Clarkson of Clarkson, Coach Blevins of Lawrence-Nelson, and Coach Kronhofman of Arapahoe for the work they have done to get this started. Brad Mellema with Grand Island Tourism has been instrumental in partnering with us to ensure the schools have a great experience on top of playing at one of the best high school facilities in Nebraska. We look forward to welcoming these communities and football fanatics to historic Memorial Stadium next week!”
Three games, six teams, and plenty of gridiron action bringing together fans from across the state. Action kicks off at 1:30 PM when Arapahoe battles Clarkson, setting the stage for a day of 8-Man clashes. At 4:30 PM, Dundy County Stratton and Hartington-Newcastle battle it out on the field. The tripleheader concludes under the lights at 7:30 PM as Elm Creek caps off the event against Lawrence-Nelson.
To keep the crowd fueled throughout the event, the stadium concession stand will offer gameday favorites, including pizza, nachos, ice-cold Coca-Cola products, and more.
Event Schedule for Saturday, August 29:
1:30 PM: Arapahoe vs. Clarkson
4:30 PM: Dundy County Stratton vs. Hartington-Newcastle
7:30 PM: Elm Creek vs. Lawrence-Nelson
Come watch the Volleyball Jamboree at Cedar Catholic at 6:00 pm. Admission to the event is $6.00 and $5.00.
As school events begin, please be sure you bookmark the Hartington-Newcastle Bound page! This will have schedules for the year, and it is very user friendly! #GoCats https://gobound.com/ne/schools/hartingtonnewcastle
Anyone interested in ordering pictures please use the links below!
Fall Portrait ordering:
http://sdstudios.hhimagehost.com/HartingtonNewcastleFallPrepay
Fall Sports:
http://sdstudios.hhimagehost.com/HartingtonNewcastleFallSportsPrepay
The volleyball Jamboree will be varsity only and 4 sets.
Volleyball Jamboree at Cedar Catholic on Tuesday at 6:00 pm. Admission to the event is $6.00 and $5.00. #GoCats!
Football...BYA leaders and workers of the week...the seniors! This group can lead!
Football workers of the week...
Scout team Hard hat winners=Caleb Heimes and Logan Kneifl! Congrats!
The high school volleyball team is looking for a libero tracker for their home duals and home tournaments /quads. It is a paid position. If you are interested, please contact AD Rusty Fuller at 402-669-8411 for more details.
Thank you to Alyk Zach for designing and painting an amazing mural outside the weight room! #Go Cats!
Open House tonight at HNS from 6:30 to 7:30...everyone is welcome to come see rooms and meet teachers! Hot dogs and hamburgers provided!
#GoCats
#GoCats
If you like to plan ahead, here’s your heads-up for Homecoming Dress Up Days , September 21–25! 🎶💜🖤
Booster Club Kick-off is Friday, August 21st!
HNS Wildcats Youth Football Camp! #Riseasone. Thanks for coming out!
Class D-1 Huskerland Prep Top Seniors
#17. Jason Heimes, Hartington-Newcastle. Powerful and shifty, lots of yards after contact, last season Jason rushed for 1,027 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s also a multi-purpose threat with the ball in his hands, last season catching 16 passes for 311 yards and four TDs, and returning a kickoff for a score. On defense, he finished with 42 tackles, and a pick-six.
Reminder, HNS youth football camp is today from 9:00-11:00 am at the practice field. At the conclusion of camp, equipment check out for all participants in grades 3-6 for tackle football will be from 11:00 am-12:00 pm. Registration forms will be at the field if needed.
New HNS activities calendar link... https://www.gobound.com/ne/schools/hartingtonnewcastle/calendar?includePractices=false&v=month&date=2026-08-03
Reminder, HNS students must get their sport physicals completed and turned in before the first practice!
Our 2026–2027 HNS Vacation Planner is here to help! Save these important no-school dates so you can plan vacations, appointments, and family time in advance!
