This is the first week of state playoffs and Westside plays Creighton Prep in the opening round. Westside and Creighton Prep already played in the season opener, when the Warriors beat the Junior Jays 57-7.

The Warriors were led by seniors Jahmez Ross, Caleb Benning and Anthony Rezac. Ross rushed for three touchdowns and Benning added one receiving and one on a kickoff return. Benning also had an interception that set up another touchdown. Rezac marched the offense, throwing for two touchdowns and running in one more. 

This is one of the most storied rivalries in the history of Nebraska high school sports. The series started in 1958 and has been called the neighborhood rivalry. Students from Creighton Prep are in the same neighborhood as students from Westside. The Warriors have dominated the series against the Junior Jays in recent years. The Warriors last fell to the Junior Jays in 2017 when the final score was 45-41 at Phelps field. 

Benning is focused on the team’s next opponent in the playoffs and not looking down the road to Memorial Stadium.

 “I’m expecting we know what we do,” Benning said. “We know what we’re capable of and standards, so not too worried about them just worrying about focusing on us.” 

After Benning verbally committed to Nebraska, the senior is locked in on the state playoffs.

“I’m just really focusing on what we do,“ Benning said. “We know we had success the first time, but obviously they’re a very young team and they’ve gotten a lot better throughout the season, so we got to up our game and our game plan as well.”

The first round of playoffs for the Warriors will take place at Phelps Field on Friday, Oct. 27.