One of several Vikings with speed, Waverly halfback Adam Winters breaks away from Seward's Richie Graves (9) and an unidentified player during Waverly's 37-21 victory Sept. 11. (Joe Evans/Waverly News)
Two Class B unbeatens collide this week, and de facto district title games are cropping up all over the place. If you visited practice fields around the state, you’d hear coaches saying things like, “We need to finish strong” as their teams try to get themselves into postseason playoff condition.
Waverly at Omaha Skutt, Friday, 7 p.m.
This is a long-awaited collision of two undefeated Class B powers with excellent quarterbacks. No. 3-rated Skutt has played solid football all season long and has not allowed its opponent to score in double figures in six of its seven games. Quarterback Christian Dudzik makes big plays when the SkyHawks need them. No. 2-rated Waverly has not been held under 35 points this season. The Vikings are led by NU football recruit Tyler Evans, who runs a wishbone attack that features speed at every backfield position. These teams could meet again in the playoffs.
Axtell at Giltner, Friday, 7 p.m.
This could be the best eight-man football game in the state this weekend. Giltner, the No. 5-rated team in Class D1, is 5-1 and 3-0, which ties it for the lead with Silver Lake in competitive District 7. The Hornets must play at Silver Lake next week. Axtell (5-1, 2-1) wants to grab a share of the district lead and is rated No. 8. The Wildcats lost a close decision to Silver Lake two weeks ago but have dominated everyone else they’ve met.
Kearney at Norfolk, Friday, 7 p.m.
Every game in Class A’s rugged District 2 is important, and this one is no different. Kearney (4-3) is battling for a postseason berth and must win this one to stay in good shape. Norfolk (5-2) has been playing well defensively and could exploit a Bearcat team which struggled with turnovers in its loss to Elkhorn last week.
Plattsmouth at Omaha Gross, Friday, 7 p.m.
This could be a good one; Gross has an excellent running game and Plattsmouth must play better defense than it has lately to win. No. 5-rated Gross is 6-1. No. 8 Plattsmouth is 5-2, yet has not defeated a team that currently has a winning record – but the same can be said of Gross. Both are likely playoff qualifiers.
Millard North at Omaha Burke, Friday, 7 p.m.
No. 8-rated Burke (5-2, 1-1 in district), led by explosive quarterback Jimmy Forsythe and all-around athlete Stephon Washington, has been a high-scoring team, averaging nearly 40 points per game, but defensive-minded Millard North (4-3, 1-2) has played everyone tough and will be looking to stay in the running for playoff competition.
Ashland-Greenwood at Wahoo Neumann, Friday, 7 p.m.
Neumann (3-3, 2-0 in districts) has been gaining momentum since losing quarterback Dylan McGill with an elbow injury in a 24-6 season-opening loss at Boys Town and losing two more against Bennington and Syracuse – combined, the three Neumann conquerors are 17-2. But McGill is back and the Cavaliers will be tough for Ashland-Greenwood (5-1, 2-1) to handle.
Ansley at Anselmo-Merna, Friday, 7 p.m.
This traditional rivalry is generally a high-spirited, and sometimes nasty, affair. A-M (5-1) is rated No. 10 in the D2 rankings, and Ansley (4-2) would like nothing better than to knock the Coyotes out. Both teams could make the playoffs, although the Warriors have the tougher road; they must host Loomis next week, and the Wolves also will be battling for a postseason berth.
Malcolm at Wilber-Clatonia, Friday, 7 p.m.
Both teams are 5-1 overall, and 2-1 in their district. Malcolm is coming off an upset loss to Tri County on the road and is marching through a difficult closing portion of its schedule (the Clippers will host unbeaten David City Aquinas next week). Wilber-Clatonia has allowed only one opponent to score in double figures.
Amherst at Overton, Friday, 7 p.m.
This will likely decide the district championship. Amherst (5-1, 3-0 in districts) seems to have gotten itself in order after a surprising season-opening loss to Franklin while Overton (5-1, 3-0) is on a roll, has plenty of experience and the home-field advantage. The winner has an excellent chance of vaulting into the Class D1 Top Ten.
Allen at Wynot, Friday, 7 p.m.
This one definitely decides the District 4 title in Class D2. Wynot (5-1, 3-0 district) has only a 42-38 loss at Lindsay Holy family on Sept. 18 to mar its record. The Blue Devils had two shutouts to start the season, but has given up a lot of points lately. Allen (4-2, 3-0) has been on a roll its last three games, outscoring its opponents 167-22 during that span. Neither team has beaten someone which currently has a winning record.
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