Westside faces Grand Island in semi-finals
The Westside football team is one win away from making their fourth straight state championship appearance. The last team to be in four consecutive title games was Millard North between 2002-2005. The Warriors will host the number four seed Grand Island in the semi-finals as they look to get one step closer to the big game.
“Obviously it’s a really cool opportunity that we have to try and make it to four straight [championship appearances],” junior quarterback Anthony Rezac said. “Being able to be a part of it is awesome but right now we are taking it one day at a time.”
Top seeded Westside has lived up to their ranking so far in state playoffs. The Warriors are coming off of a 42-28 win against Lincoln Southwest to raise their record to 10-1. Westside is trying to keep their foot on the gas in the playoffs.
“Our plan is to just continue to stay hot and do the things that we do best,” Rezac said. “Hopefully if we do that then we will get the chance to play in Memorial [stadium] again.”
Grand Island looks to continue to capitalize on their excellent season. These two teams are no strangers to one another as Westside played on the Islanders’ turf back on September 2. Although this was a one sided matchup with the Warriors plowing to a 37-13 victory, Grand Island has caught fire since, led by running back Jace Crisman who’s averaging 7.85 yards per carry and totaling 14 touchdowns with it.
“We focused a lot this week on everyone doing what they’re supposed to do to stop the rushing attack,” junior linebacker Beau Ryan said. we just have to be tougher for longer and that will be enough.”
Grand Island is led on defense by Colton Marsh, who leads the state in interceptions with eight. Last week he picked off a pass against Millard South and returned it for a touchdown.
Westside will look to advance past Grand Island at Phelps Field tonight, in hopes of making their fourth straight state championship appearance. The game will be televised on News Channel Nebraska (NCN South).
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Hi! My name is Noah Atlas and I’m a senior at Westside High. This is my second semester in Warrior TV, where I enjoy creating sports-related content!...
