The Westside Warriors varsity football team is set to face off against the Grand Island Islanders in the second round of playoffs. Westside had a bye week last week while Grand Island played and beat Pius X. They beat Pius in a dominating 39-0 performance.  The last time the Warriors faced off against Grand Island, Westside put up a 42-0 outing.  Senior Avante Dickerson expressed that their mindset is better this year and falling short isn’t an option. 

“We just going to stay focused and focus on one game at a time. They ranked us one in the state for a reason, so we gotta prove it,” Dickerson said. 

Westside being 8-0 going into the second round of the playoffs, they are the team to beat. Westside looks to get back in the State championship game this playoff run. After reaching the State championship game last year and falling short, Westside is trying to get over the hump. To reach the State championship and win all comes down to preparation.

“It comes down to the preparation and the will to prepare,” said Craig Secora, 0ffensive coordinator.

With the bye week, Westside had more time to prepare than ever. Westside hasn’t had a game postponement due to Covid this year. This break is much needed after Westside played eight straight games. The extra week also gave them rest for their upcoming playoff run.  Even with the extra week, Secora said he wants the team to focus on the fundamentals.

“We have to make sure we utilize our talents whether it is offense, defense or special teams. Limit mistakes, limit turnovers and limit penalties,” Secora said.

Westside has utilized its talent in the regular season, but in the playoffs–with the heightened emotion–Secora said he knows how important the little things are and so do each of the players. 

“Yeah, it gives us more confidence, but at the end of the day they are a good team, and we can’t look at them like they’re bad because if we don’t play hard then we will not win,” Dickerson said. 

Westside is set to take on the Grand Island Islanders in the second round of the playoffs on Friday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. at Phelps Field.