Omaha Westside High School’s football team is poised to have another outstanding season, potentially even surpassing their state championship-winning performance from last year. The team is highly regarded and widely anticipated to maintain its dominance on the field.
Bellevue West, another prominent high school football program in Nebraska, is also expected to excel this season. With three future University of Nebraska players on their roster, including notable talents in their passing game, the Thunderbirds are anticipated to deliver impressive performances.
However, the real surprise lies in the Class A rankings, where two underdog teams have made notable entries. Millard North is ranked at No. 4, while Papillion-La Vista sits at No. 9. These two teams have been relatively unheard of in recent years, making their presence in the rankings unexpected.
Millard North has not had a winning season since 2016, and Papillion-La Vista’s last successful season was even further back, in 2013. Both teams have struggled with various factors, such as injuries and transfers, that have impacted their performance on the field. Millard North’s head coach, Fred Petito, has been with the team for an impressive 41 seasons, making him the longest-tenured coach in Class A. Despite the challenges they have faced, these teams are optimistic about their chances this season.
Papillion-La Vista’s head coach, Tim Williams, acknowledges that their success will heavily depend on the performance of their offensive line, which is predominantly composed of young players. The team’s running back, senior Payton Prestito, is considered one of the best in Class A, and if their offensive line can provide solid support, he is expected to have an exceptional year.
Millard North, on the other hand, returns with an experienced quarterback in Evan Hansen, who showed promise in his sophomore year with both his passing and running abilities. Alongside Hansen, the team has other talented playmakers who are being closely watched for their potential in college football.
Overall, these two teams have experienced growth and improvements. While they still have relatively young rosters, they are filled with dedicated players who are committed to their goals. Both teams are hungry for success and are determined to prove themselves on the field.
It’s worth mentioning that Omaha Westside is ranked at the top of the preseason rankings, given their impressive performance last season and the number of returning starters they have. The team boasts several standout players who are considered strong candidates for all-state recognition.
Bellevue West follows closely behind, with their success contingent on their offensive line’s performance and the health of their running backs. This team has faced challenges due to injuries in the past, but they are looking to counter with their talented triple threat on offense, consisting of Husker commits Daniel Kaelin, Isaiah McMorris, and Dae’Vonn Hall.
The remaining teams in the preseason rankings include Elkhorn South, Omaha North, Kearney, Gretna, Millard South, Papillion-La Vista, and Millard West. These teams will undoubtedly contribute to the competitive atmosphere in Nebraska high school football this season.
In conclusion, Omaha Westside is undoubtedly the team to beat this season, but teams like Millard North and Papillion-La Vista are emerging as dark horse contenders, aiming to prove their worth. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, these teams are poised to make a mark on the football field. The upcoming season promises to be exciting and full of surprises as the rankings continue to evolve throughout the year.
