Junior quarterback Braxton Clark will make his first start on Friday night in the Class 6A semifinal at Manhattan.

“I’ve been pretty nervous, but it’s a big game against Manhattan,” Clark said. “… We know Manhattan is a good team, but I think our chances are good.”

Clark replaces senior Brock Zerger, who broke his fibula in the quarterfinal win over Washburn Rural on Nov. 11. Zerger, who had surgery Tuesday morning, finished with 1,123 passing yards,1,083 rushing yards, and 26 total touchdowns.

“Pretty sad. My boy, Brock. I know I had to step up in the big game,” Clark said.

Clark finished out the quarterfinal win and threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Keener.

Interestingly, Clark is the son of Panthers coach Brandon Clark. Manhattan quarterback Keenan Schartz is the son of Indians coach Joe Schartz.