The Omaha Westside varsity football team (Omaha, NE) will host a playoff game against Omaha North (Omaha, NE) today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class A” tournament.
Omaha North vs Omaha Westside Football Game Info:
What: Nebraska High School Football Playoffs
Who: Omaha North vs Omaha Westside
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Watch here:Watch here
Game preview: Omaha North vs Omaha Westside
The Omaha North Vikings and Omaha Westside Warriors are set to face off in an intense playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup brings together two of Nebraska’s top high school football teams, each boasting impressive records and strong seasons.
Season Recap
Omaha North
The Vikings, ranked 11th in Class 4, hold a 9-2 overall record with a perfect 5-0 mark in district play. Their balanced offensive attack has averaged 357.9 total yards per game, split nearly evenly between rushing (181.2) and passing (176.7). Key contributors include quarterback Mikey Gow (176.7 passing yards per game), running back Jaron Cannon (122.0 rushing yards per game), and wide receiver Darion Jones (68.5 receiving yards per game).
Defensively, the Vikings average 59.5 tackles per game, led by Maxwell Clark with 12.0 tackles per game. However, their first matchup against Westside this season resulted in a 22-7 loss, marking a rare setback in an otherwise dominant campaign.
Omaha Westside
The Warriors, ranked 2nd in Class 2, enter the playoffs undefeated at 11-0. Their high-powered offense averages 390.4 yards per game, with a slight edge in rushing (213.3 yards per game) over passing (177.1 yards per game). Key players include quarterback Braylen Warren, running back Tay Tay Jenkins, and wide receiver Keynan Cotton.
On defense, Westside has allowed just 85 points all season—an average of 7.7 points per game—thanks to standout performances from players like Reid McIntyre (7.7 tackles per game) and Micah Lidonde (0.5 sacks per game).
Head-to-Head History
In their August 29 meeting, Omaha Westside defeated Omaha North 22-7. While the Vikings managed to score in the fourth quarter, Westside controlled the game with a consistent defensive effort and timely scoring.
Team Comparisons
| Category | Omaha North | Omaha Westside |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 37.2 | 42.0 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 357.9 | 390.4 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 181.2 | 213.3 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 176.7 | 177.1 |
| Tackles Per Game | 59.5 | 64.7 |
Both teams have defeated common opponents such as Omaha Central, Bellevue West, and Elkhorn South, with Westside showcasing more dominant scorelines.
Keys to Victory
For Omaha North
- Early Momentum: Scoring early will be critical to avoid falling behind against Westside’s aggressive defense.
- Jaron Cannon’s Ground Game: Cannon must deliver a strong performance to keep the clock moving and control possession.
- Defensive Pressure: Maxwell Clark and the Vikings’ defense must disrupt Westside’s offense, particularly quarterback Braylen Warren.
For Omaha Westside
- Balanced Offense: Maintaining their dual-threat capability with Jenkins and Warren will keep North’s defense on its heels.
- Limit Turnovers: Protecting the ball will be essential against North’s opportunistic defense.
- Stifling Defense: Replicating their performance from the August matchup could seal another victory.
Prediction
Omaha Westside’s undefeated record and dominance in both offensive and defensive metrics make them the favorites. However, Omaha North’s determination and improved performance since their last meeting could make this a closer contest than expected. Expect a thrilling playoff battle under the Friday night lights!
