The 1998 football team had 32 seniors, and 17 juniors returning from the 1997 State Championship team, but no returning starters. After a couple of losses during the season, one to Beatrice on a last second field goal in week two, and then a one point loss to Class A Fremont in week five, this team was determined to win another state championship. Once the play-offs started they beat Waverly 53-3, Norris 34-8, Elkhorn 25-8, and in the semi-finals beat Gretna 31-9. In the championship game they played a 12-0 Chadron High team that was led by all-state quarterback Mike Wahlstrom. The Bolts were ready for the challenge and won 39-14. They became the first Class B team to win back to back state championships. The team averaged 41 points per game and held their opponents to 11 points per game for the season. Several players gained all-state, and all-city recognition. Over the course of the 97 and 98 seasons this group had a combined record of 21-3. The team sadly lost a key member in 2003 with the passing of Matt Grosserode.
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