April 20, 2024

Paup reflects on River Battle Bowl experience

By JARED LARSON

Creston's Derek Paup (85) looks to stunt his way past Brayden Heffner of Team Nebraska (Norfolk) to record a tackle. (Naviere Walkewicz)

COUNCIL BLUFFS – Team Nebraska got their third straight win in the River Battle Bowl over Team Iowa on Saturday with a 28-7 final score.

Creston’s Derek Paup played defensive end and defensive tackle for Team Iowa.

“The game itself, on Saturday, was really, really special,” Paup said. “Game wise, they scored the first and touchdown, and we ended up making it 14-7.”

Christian Nash of Team Nebraska had the final two rushing touchdowns to finalize the scoring total.

Team Nebraska’s offensive line had size, both players in the featured image are 6′3″ 270, and their size was a little tricky to navigate for Paup.

“At defensive tackle, they had some big boys inside at guard position,” Paup said about Team Nebraska’s offensive line. “It was really hard for me to penetrate inside, but on the outside at defensive end I believe I was able to have four to five tackles.”

With this game possibly being the last time Paup puts on the white helmet with the Creston logo on one side and the jersey number on the other, he is sentimental towards those that helped build his foundation.

“Whether it’s coach Morrison giving speeches out on the field after practice or after a game, the coaches around the football program and in the football program have really made me who I am today,” Paup said.