The Westside football team looks to stay undefeated in their Homecoming game against the Norfork Panthers on Friday, Oct. 8 at Phelps Stadium. 

Westside has won their last three Homecoming games, as they defeated Millard North, Creighton Prep, and Elkhorn South. Westside head coach Brett Froendt expressed that just because it is Homecoming week, that doesn’t mean energy changes during practices. 

“Homecoming hasn’t affected practices at all but obviously everyone wants to play and represent the school on homecoming because more people come out for homecoming,” Froendt said. “But it’s an important game for our season too, but it doesn’t really affect us.”

Last week’s win was a close game, as Westside only beat Millard North by 11 points. Froendt said improvements need to be made to assure that the team is only going up, as playoffs start later this month. 

“We have to improve because if we’re not going up we’re going down and if we go down this part of the season that means we’re not going to be successful in the end,” Froendt said. “Total focus is on us and how we improve the team and play better and faster.”

Sophomore Andrew Nielsen has developed into a starter at fullback and has played a key role in the success of the running game. 

“I feel personally that I have improved over the season and I am getting better and better every game,” Nielsen said, “I have had my ups and downs but I’m always trying to improve.”

The Warriors are excited for the homecoming game, Nielsen says his teammates are looking forward to the matchup with Norfolk.

 “I can feel the energy starting to get better and better,” Nielsen said, “There is a lot of talk about homecoming in practice, but overall we’re focused.”

The Warriors will try to extend their 18-game winning streak, when they host the Norfolk Panthers at 7 p.m. on Friday night at Phelps Stadium.