5-Star Performer: Collazo, Knust carrying Huskies to success

AURORA, Neb. (KSNB) - For Aurora football, there’s a standard and tradition of excellence.

“There’s a very high expectation,” Aurora senior quarterback Drew Knust said. “Last year went fairly well and I just took it as an opportunity to get better.”

Senior running back Carlos Collazo and Knust are leading the charge.

“The explosive plays are coming with Carlos right now, but there has to be a great game manager out there, a game manager that can make plays when he has to make plays,” Aurora football coach Kyle Peterson said. “And that’s exactly what Drew has done.”

The Huskies are back down in class C1 and they’re showing they can compete with anyone after a 2-0 start. Wins against Northwest and Boone Central prove it.

“Our backs coach tells us before the game, ‘It starts with us,’” Collazo said. “Our leadership out there, we just got to do the right thing and be quality leaders.”

Collazo has been a staple for Aurora and teams still can’t stop him. He put up 256 yards on 17 carries and scored five touchdowns in the Huskies most recent win over the Cardinals.

“Anytime you give great players the ball often enough, they’re going to make great things happen,” Peterson said.

And Knust’s evolution as a scrambler has helped expand the Huskies offense.

“It’s opened up the playbook a little more than last year,” Knust said. “Running it a little more, giving Carlos a little bit of a break.”

“I think Drew’s ability to carry the ball as a quarterback in the run game has really, maybe, taken a little bit of pressure off of Carlos,” Peterson added. “It’s fun to see the confidence in his game improve.”

Playing next to a lifelong friend has helped both Collazo and Knust.

“We’ve been playing football together since first grade and it’s just, he’s one of my best friends, so it’s nice having him next to me and I trust that he’ll get the job done,” Collazo said.

“We’re great friends, we’re best friends off the field,” Knust added. “We know each other a lot. We’ve grown up together, so it’s just kind of that chemistry thing where.”

Peterson says Collazo and Knust are integral to the Huskies goals as they pursue a championship in their senior swan song.

“It’s a lot of fun and just to embrace our last year together,” Knust said.

“Proud of both kids and how they’ve grown and have really high expectations for them as the season continues,” Peterson added.

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