Westside Football Defeats Omaha Burke in Class A State Quarterfinals

Grace Vandercoy and Jordan Nogg|November 8, 2021

Eliza Haney

Westside Defensive-End Sean Williams has been a piece to Class A’s top defense for the Warriors – Photo by Eliza Haney

The Omaha Westside varsity football team trampled over the Burke Bulldogs in the NSAA Class A quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 5 with a final score of 42-3. 

The Warriors had an impressive start and broke out to a 21-3 lead at halftime. Westside assistant coach Wade Halvorsen expressed that jumping out to a big lead  helped the Warriors get the win over the Bulldogs. 

“The quick start was huge, being able to have a sack and an interception gave the offense a short field to start the game which is a dagger to opponents,” Halvorsen said. “Whenever the offense can put points on the board the first 3 out of 4 drives you’re going to be successful.”

Senior wide receiver Grant Gyuett got on the scoreboard in the opening minutes of the game, when he scored the first of  his two touchdowns. Coach Halvorsen expressed that Gyuett has improved from previous seasons and has become a real expert when it comes to running routes.

“Grant is a true technician when it comes to running routes,” Halvorsen said. “He has really done a great job of learning from past receivers at Westside on how he can take his route running, blocking, and receiving to the next level.” 

The Warriors have kept with the quarterback change they made in week five against the Grand Island Islanders, when sophomore Anthony Rezac took over the starting job. Rezac threw for 145 yards and four touchdowns in the victory over the Burke Bulldogs. Rezac said he believes that the performance on the Warriors end was top notch, and they have a real chance when it comes to facing the No. 3 seed Bellevue West later this week. 

“We performed great,” Rezac said. “Everyone did what they needed to do and played well. We need each guy working hard in practice every day. gotta do our jobs during the week and Friday night so we can get to the championship before we have a chance to win it.”

The Warriors will face their hardest matchup of the year in the semifinals. The game will be a rematch from the 2019 Class A State Championship, as they go head to head against the Bellevue West Thunderbirds on Friday, Nov. 12. The gamke will be at Phelps Field at 7 p.m. and can be watched on the NFHS Network.