PIERCE - The Class C1 State Football Championship is coming to northeast Nebraska, as the Pierce Bluejays get set to welcome the Adams Central Patriots on Friday.

The NSAA announced last week that the state championships for Class A through D2 would not be held at Memorial Stadium like normal, but instead be hosted by the higher seed in each game. Pierce Head Coach Mark Brahmer says that while Memorial Stadium provides a unique atmosphere, he prefers a smaller scale for the state championship.

"I really think it belongs in a small town, we're small-town guys and it allows the fans to have a much better experience in my opinion," Coach Brahmer said. "This could be an opportunity where we'll have four or five thousand people here on Friday night."

The Bluejays will take on the Adams Central Patriots, who are making history by appearing in the C1 State Championship for the first time in school history.

"This is my 21st year at Adams Central and the first time getting over the hump and getting to the championship game," said Adams Central Head Coach Shawn Mulligan. "It's great for our school and great for our community, and especially for these guys this is something they'll be able to take with them for the rest of their lives."

These two teams matched up in last year's semifinal round, with Pierce coming away with a 54-14 victory in Hastings. Both coaches say there are some takeaways from last year's game that help in preparation this year, but both expect a competitive game between two good football teams on Friday.

"There are some differences but there are also some similarities as it's the same coaching staff we're facing with Adams Central," Coach Brahmer said. "They graduated a number of good players from last year's team just like we did, but they've got very good athletes so we have our work cut out for us."

"Pierce is so physical and they just keep beating on you both mentally and physically, and when momentum isn't on your side it's hard to counteract that," Coach Mulligan said. "They're extremely well-coached both technique-wise and fundamentally-wise so we definitely have our hands full."

Pierce is looking for its fourth state championship and first since 2008, while Adams Central is looking to win a state title for the first time in school history. Kickoff between the Bluejays and Patriots is set for 5:30 PM at Pierce High School on Friday.