Boys Soccer: Bennington Badgers Punch Ticket to State with Dominant District Run

5–7 minutes

By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Marisa Dawson & Baylor Detjens

A group of excited soccer players celebrating a victory, holding a trophy. The players are in black jerseys with blue accents, showing expressions of joy and triumph.
Photo by Baylor Detjens

The Bennington Boys soccer team advanced to the state tournament for the sixth consecutive year, securing the District 3 title with a pair of impressive victories. The Badgers first overcame a gritty Mount Michael Benedictine squad 5-2 in the semifinals on May 5, then delivered a commanding 7-0 shutout against Kearney Catholic in the district final on May 8.

In the opener against Mount Michael Benedictine, the Badgers faced an early test. The visitors jumped out to a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. Yet Bennington stayed composed.

Coach Nick Nyman reflected on the resilient start: “You never want to come out in a big game and spot an opponent with a 2 goal lead, especially against Mount Michael who has beaten us twice in sub-district Finals… in the last 5 or 6 years. But we do focus a lot on staying game focused and having confidence in what we can do as a team. Fortunately, despite the early deficit I don’t feel our guys were concerned by the initial score… They were patient and confident.”

The Badgers responded emphatically, erupting for five unanswered goals to secure the 5-2 win. Kade Olbrich led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Luke Olbrich, Zander Hanish, and Max Leight each found the net once. The team recorded four assists overall, showcasing their balanced attack. Goalkeeper Aaden Lee made five saves in the victory.

Nyman highlighted the offensive depth as a key factor in the turnaround: “I think this may be one of our strongest offensively balanced teams we’ve ever fielded. We have quite a few guys who can put the ball in the back of the net or open up a solid scoring opportunity for us. We had a game plan and we stuck with it.”

A group of young male soccer players in black jerseys huddle together on a green field, showing teamwork and camaraderie before a game.
A soccer match scene showing two players competing for the ball; one player in a white jersey with the number 19 falls while the other player in a black jersey with the number 21 assists in the play.
Brody Bartels
A soccer goalkeeper in a pink uniform is positioned in front of the goal on a grassy field, preparing for play.
Aaden Lee
A young male soccer player in a black jersey is preparing to kick a soccer ball on a grass field, while another player in a white jersey with the number 22 is running in the background.
Nico Smith
A soccer player in a black jersey with 'Bennington' printed on it is kicking a soccer ball on a grassy field during a game, with other players in the background.
Cole Peterson
A soccer player in a black uniform dribbles a ball on a field, with an opponent in a white uniform attempting to block him. In the background, several players sit on the sidelines watching the game.
Declan Smith
A young male soccer player in a black uniform running while kicking a soccer ball on a field with blue track lines and a fence in the background.
Tyson Hunter
Two young male soccer players competing for the ball on a grass field, with one player in a white jersey and the other in a black jersey. A bench of teammates is visible in the background.
Luke Olbrich
A soccer player in a black jersey with the number 7 chases after a ball on a grass field, while a defender in a white jersey approaches from the right. Spectators are visible in the stands in the background.
Kade Olbrich
Two high school soccer players compete for the ball on a field, with one player in a blue uniform and the other in a white uniform. A referee is nearby, holding a flag.
Max Leight
A soccer player in a black jersey with 'Bennington' written on it is skillfully dribbling a ball on the field, while an opposing player in a white jersey watches. Coaches and spectators in red jackets are visible in the background.
Trenton Hunter
A male soccer player in a black jersey and shorts is dribbling a soccer ball on a grassy field during a game.
Zander Hanish

The win set up a district final showdown at home against Kearney Catholic. Bennington came out firing, cruising to a 7-0 victory. Multiple players contributed to the rout: Trenton Hunter and Kade Olbrich each scored twice, with Zander Hanish, Max Leight, and Nico Smith adding one goal apiece. The Badgers tallied six assists in a complete team effort. Goalkeepers Aaden Lee, Tate Andersen, and Richie Herman combined for a shutout, rotating to preserve the clean sheet.

Assistant Coach Volker Olbrich and Head Coach Nyman praised the performance. Olbrich noted, “The boys came together and really earned it. The last three games were really good and they improved and they really earned it.” Nyman added, “They played very well… throughout the entirety of the game, all the way to the last guy that came on the field. We had a solid performance. Every minute was sold.”

The district final displayed the patience and discipline Bennington had built. Olbrich emphasized, “Good team performance. The team played patient. Didn’t get away from our game plan and worked out really well.”

As they prepare for state, the coaches stressed continued improvement. Nyman stated, “We are always looking to improve. Everything needs to be a little bit more polished as we proceed forward… Maybe tying up those shots a little bit. We’re still putting a lot of shots on frame and I prefer to see a couple of those more go in.” Olbrich echoed the sentiment of building through repetition: “Basically building on what we have. And repetition- repetition makes it better.”

With a runner-up finish at state last year still fresh, the team carries experience alongside renewed motivation. Senior Kade Olbrich, a standout scorer throughout the season, expressed excitement for one more shot at the title in his final year.

A soccer match in progress, featuring players in white and black jerseys competing for the ball on a green field.
Kade Olbrich

“I think we’ve just progressed really well throughout the season and become more of a team,” Olbrich said. “Especially with it being my senior year, I’m just super excited to get back at it and get another chance to get that state title… We’re just going to go together as a team, work together, and I know that we can get it done.” He addressed the pressure, adding that Bennington may not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds this year.

Senior Zander Hanish appreciated the atmosphere awaiting them at state. “I think it’s just the atmosphere. It’s so nice to be in and having the opportunity to play is just amazing,” he said. He pointed to team culture as a season-long strength as they prepare to compete at state, adding, “Just to keep pushing ourselves and building each other up… in practice just keeping intensity high and the level high to try to build everyone up.”

A soccer player in a black uniform kicks a soccer ball on a field, with other players in action nearby.
Zander Hanish

Junior Nico Smith, in his third straight trip to state, brought youthful enthusiasm: “I’m just happy about it. I mean, it’s my junior year, so it’s my third year in a row being here and I’m just as excited as my freshman year, so I’m just ready to play… It feels good that I had a successful team around me and that I can contribute to that as well.” He looks forward most to everyone filling the stadium from the players to the audience cheering them on. 

A young player in a black soccer uniform kicking a soccer ball on a field, with seated teammates in the background.
Nico Smith, Photo by Baylor Detjens

Coach Nyman’s message as the team prepares to compete remains focused and grounded. After the Mount Michael game, he noted the team’s ownership of preparation, saying, “We put a lot of responsibility on their shoulders to own that preparedness. We can want it all day long for them, but they need to want it…” Following the district final, he reinforced that message. “We will refocus for our next game. It’s one game at a time now. We can beat anybody at state. I feel fairly confident about that. We just have to take it to the next point we get, whoever that might be,” he said.

Assistant Coach Olbrich delivered a straightforward rallying cry: “One team, one goal, no excuses.”

With a 13-3 record and proven resilience, the Bennington Badgers head into the state tournament confident, battle-tested, and hungry to improve upon last year’s impressive run. Their balanced scoring, defensive solidity, and team-first mentality position them as strong contenders once again. Their first state match will be at Creighton’s Morrison Stadium on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30pm against Lexington.

Photos by Baylor Detjens:

A soccer team in black uniforms huddles together on the field, with a blue press box and spectators in the background.
A soccer match in progress with players in action on the field. One player in black is kicking the ball while two players in white and green are positioned nearby, one sitting on the ground.
Kade Olbrich
A soccer match in progress with players competing for the ball near the goal. A goalkeeper in an orange jersey defends, while other players in green and white uniforms are actively involved in the play on a grassy field.
A soccer player in a black jersey competes for the ball against an opponent in a white jersey, while two other players are in the background on a grassy field.
Trenton Hunter
A soccer player celebrates a goal on the field, while another player in the background prepares to defend the goal.
Trenton Hunter
A soccer player in a black jersey with blue accents kicks a ball on the field, with other players and a referee in the background.
Zander Hanish
Two soccer players engaging in a game on a field, one in a black jersey and the other in a white jersey with green shorts, dribbling a soccer ball.
Nico Smith
A group of four young soccer players celebrating a goal on the field at dusk, wearing black jerseys with blue accents. One player shows excitement, while another raises his arms in joy.
A soccer player kicks the ball towards the goal while another player watches on the field during a game.
Nico Smith
A man handing an award plaque to a young athlete on a soccer field during an evening ceremony.
Kade Olbrich accepts the champion plaque
A group of excited soccer players celebrating and holding a championship plaque on the field at dusk.

Photos by Marisa Dawson:

A soccer player in a black uniform dribbles the ball down the field, pursued by two opponents in white and green uniforms.
Declan Smith
A young male soccer player in a black uniform dribbling a soccer ball on a field with blue track markings.
Krish Muktan
A soccer player in a black uniform dribbles a ball on the field during a match, with another player in a white uniform nearby.
Luke Olbrich
A young soccer player in a black jersey dribbles a ball on the field, pursued by an opponent in a white and green uniform during a game.
Trenton Hunter
A soccer match in progress with two players competing for the ball. One player in a black uniform is about to kick the ball while another player, wearing a white jersey with the number 17, is attempting to challenge him. The scene is set on a green turf field.
Cole Peterson
A soccer match in progress with two players competing for the ball. One player in a white jersey and green shorts is attempting a tackle, while the player in a black jersey is kicking the ball. A referee is visible in the background.
Max Leight
A soccer match in progress, featuring a player in black kicking the ball, while an opponent in white and green runs toward it. Team members are visible in the background, with goalposts and a green field.
Liam Steffen
High school soccer match with players in action on the field. One player in black is trying to kick the ball while two players in white and green attempt to defend.
Max Cullinane
A soccer player in a blue uniform is kicking a soccer ball on a field, with teammates and an official in the background.
Kyleb Kloke
A young male soccer player wearing a black jersey and shorts running on a sports field with a soccer ball at his feet.
Eli Baumann
A soccer player holding up a championship plaque, celebrating after winning the district boys soccer class B title.
Aliu Adekunle
A group photo of a youth soccer team in black uniforms standing in front of a goalpost, with a scoreboard showing 0-0. The team includes players celebrating and a goalkeeper in pink, captured on a grassy field during dusk.

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