The varsity football team prepares for a tough first round of districts

After a devastating senior night loss to Norfolk last week, the boy’s football team looks to bounce back tonight against Millard North. Both teams’ seasons will be on the line, as the game is the first round of the NSAA State Playoffs. The game will be played at Millard North’s home, Buell Stadium (which is located at Millard South), as they are the higher seed. It’s also important to note that kick-off will be at 4 P.M. The early start is due to the Papillion-La Vista South vs Millard West matchup, which kicks off after the completion of the game, as Buell Stadium is the home of Millard West as well.

Coming into the game with an (8-1) overall record, Millard North is seen as the heavy favorite. They earned the third seed after winning their district championship and going undefeated in district play.

“We will need to play harder, faster, and more physical than we ever have,” Froendt said. “If we don’t do any of those, we’re in for a long night.”

Westside on the other hand has had more difficulties this season. Their (3-3) district record however was enough to qualify them for a wild card playoff spot.

“I believe 27 of the last 28 years we’ve qualified [for the playoffs], so it’s expected around here,” Froendt said. “I’m glad that this team has fulfilled that expectation.”

Millard North, who has not lost since week one against Omaha North, undoubtedly has a major size advantage. With multiple linemen over 300 pounds according MaxPreps, Westside knows that they’ll need to play at a very high level to be successful.

“Well there is some physical mismatches, so we might need to change up the scheme and show them some things they maybe haven’t seen this year,” Froendt said.

It is also very important that Westside’s defense shows up and plays to a high ability. Millard North also has one of the top run games in the state, anchored by a backfield made up of quarterback Cade Elwood, fullback Noah Mick, and running back Andrew Wine.

“It’s really important that we stop their run game,” said junior defensive back Jaden Kohls. “It’ll be important to stop their big plays as well, because once they get going they’re hard to slow down.”

Westside has their work cut out for them tonight, and they are aware of that. However, if Westside is able to get off to a quick start and make some stops, they are increasing their chances for a potential rematch with rival Creighton Prep in the next round. But tonight, Froendt and the team are focused one thing, and that is to shock Millard North and the rest of the state.