The Omaha Westside (Omaha, NE) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Millard South (Omaha, NE) today at 7:15 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Nebraska High School Football
Who: Millard South vs Omaha Westside
When: today, November 25, 2024
Time: 7:15 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class A
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Millard South vs. Omaha Westside

This playoff matchup features two powerhouse teams from Nebraska, Millard South (11-1) and Omaha Westside (12-0), both of whom have been dominant throughout the season. Omaha Westside enters the game undefeated, while Millard South comes in with only one loss. Both teams are capable of explosive offense and solid defense, making this an exciting clash.

Millard South (24-25) Season Overview

Millard South has had an impressive season, finishing with an 11-1 record, including a perfect 4-0 district record. Their offense is potent, averaging 48.6 points per game, and they are particularly strong in the passing game, with 297.3 yards per game. Their rushing attack is also effective, averaging 132.2 yards per game.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 14.6 points
• Q2: 13.1 points
• Q3: 11.5 points
• Q4: 7.2 points

Millard South starts strong, with a solid first half, but their scoring drops off in the final quarter. Despite this, their high-scoring offense generally gives them enough of a cushion to secure victories.

Key Players

• Gabe Prucha: The rushing leader with 85.3 yards per game and 11.4 points per game. Prucha has been a crucial part of their ground game.
• Jett Thomalla: The passing leader with 313.1 yards per game, making him a key playmaker in their aerial attack. He also leads the team with 322.5 total yards per game.
• Chase Loftin: The receiving leader with 73.7 yards per game, contributing significantly to Millard South’s high passing yardage.

Millard South’s offense is versatile, with a good balance between passing and rushing. Their defense also performs well, averaging 59.8 tackles per game.

Omaha Westside (24-25) Season Overview

Omaha Westside enters the playoffs undefeated with a 12-0 record, including a 4-0 district record. Their defense has been a major factor, allowing just 99 points on the season. Offensively, they average 42.4 points per game, with a solid rushing attack of 214.2 yards per game and a strong passing game with 171.1 yards per game.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 11.6 points
• Q2: 15.2 points
• Q3: 8.1 points
• Q4: 9.5 points

Westside’s offense is balanced, with a focus on rushing but also effective in the passing game. They have a strong second quarter and a solid fourth quarter, showing their ability to close out games.

Key Players

• Tay Tay Jenkins: The rushing leader with 156.6 yards per game, providing a solid threat on the ground.
• Braylen Warren: A strong passer with 171.1 yards per game, making him a dual-threat quarterback.
• Keynan Cotton: The receiving leader with 57.3 yards per game, contributing significantly to the passing attack.

Omaha Westside’s defense is formidable, and they have been able to control games with their run game and physical defense.

Team Stat Comparison

• Millard South:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 132.2
  • Passing Yards per Game: 297.3
  • Total Yards per Game: 429.4
  • Points per Game: 48.6
  • Tackles per Game: 59.8
• Omaha Westside:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 214.2
  • Passing Yards per Game: 171.1
  • Total Yards per Game: 385.3
  • Points per Game: 42.4
  • Tackles per Game: 65.9

While Millard South has more offensive yardage overall, Omaha Westside has a more efficient rushing game and a stronger defense, allowing them to limit opponent scoring.

Head-to-Head

These two teams have not faced each other during the regular season, but both have defeated common opponents, including Papillion-LaVista. Millard South defeated them 56-21 (10/4/24), while Omaha Westside triumphed 42-12 (10/24/24). Both teams dominated their common opponents, but Omaha Westside has shown a slightly stronger defensive presence.

Record Breakdown

• Millard South: 11-1 overall, 4-0 district, 7-0 home, 3-1 away, 1-0 neutral
• Omaha Westside: 12-0 overall, 4-0 district, 7-0 home, 4-0 away, 1-0 neutral

Both teams have been excellent at home, with Millard South winning all seven of their home games, and Omaha Westside also perfect at home. However, Omaha Westside has a perfect road record, which could give them an edge in the neutral playoff setting.

Key Factors

• Millard South’s Passing Attack: With Jett Thomalla leading a high-powered passing game, Millard South has the ability to strike quickly. Their strong aerial offense could be the key to overcoming Westside’s defense.
• Omaha Westside’s Rushing Game: Tay Tay Jenkins provides a significant threat in the running game, and Westside’s ability to control the clock with the run game could limit Millard South’s scoring opportunities.
• Defensive Matchup: Omaha Westside’s defense has been exceptional, allowing only 99 points all season, while Millard South has allowed 149 points. Westside’s defense may be able to slow down Millard South’s potent offense.

Conclusion: Who Has the Advantage?

Both teams are strong, but Omaha Westside’s defense and balanced offense give them a slight edge in this matchup. Their ability to control the game with the rushing attack and limit Millard South’s scoring potential could prove decisive. However, if Millard South can get their passing game going early and keep Westside’s defense on its heels, they have the potential to pull off an upset.

Prediction: Omaha Westside wins a close game, relying on their solid defense and strong running game to edge out Millard South in a competitive playoff battle.