Football team begins season 1-0 under new head coach

The Westside football team handled their business and secured the win against rival Creighton Prep last Friday with a 24-17 victory.

The Warriors dominated the first half, up 24-0 at halftime. Prep started to pick up momentum, but as the second half waned, Westside was able to escape with a seven-point victory. Although the end wasn’t as pretty as the beginning, a win is a win to Westside head coach Paul Limongi.

“We’ll take it,” Limongi said. “I think we could’ve played a little better in that second half but it was a hard fought win against a really good football team.”

Despite the Junior Jays having their way in the second half, Westside showed a great deal of resiliency, rallying with one another to walk away with a quality win.

“This was our first win as a family,” Limongi said. “Being able to hang on at the end, I’m just really proud of the kids.”

Junior quarterback and team captain Anthony Rezac had a solid opening performance, going 9-15 and throwing for 176 passing yards, adding 115 yards on the ground. Rezac credits the defense for setting the tone early.

“In the second half the offense was a little bit shaky, and I struggled a bit,” Rezac said. “I think the defense really stepped up from start to finish.”

A high-flying duo that wasted no time displaying their connection was Rezac to senior wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd. The first score of the game came when Rezac dropped it right in the bucket for Lloyd down the right sideline, who’s blazing speed created enough separation to reach paydirt.

“It’s always great having a guy as explosive as Jaylen,” Rezac said. “I knew he was going to get open throughout the game, so he made my job pretty easy.”

Starting the season with a victory is important for any team, providing reassurance that all the hard work and preparation is paying off. Junior linebacker/wide receiver Teddy Rezac weighs in on the impact of starting in the win column, and how the team stays ready heading into a new week.

“It feels great, especially because it came against our rival,” Rezac said. “Luckily working hard and preparation is part of our DNA as we get ready to play a good Grand Island team.”

Westside will try to carry their momentum into Grand Island on Friday, Sept. 2.