After a dominant run that has defined the past half-decade of Nebraska high school football, the Warriors enter the 2025 season with both a chip on their shoulder and a legacy to defend. With two consecutive state championships in 2022 and 2023 and countless regular-season wins, the Warriors have built a reputation as one of the premier programs in the state. However, last season’s heartbreaking 27-10 loss to the Millard South Patriots in the state title game was their first playoff defeat since 2021, making the disappointment even harder to swallow. That bitter taste has only fueled their determination to come back stronger and reclaim their spot at the top.
This year’s team is fueled by that disappointment and driven by the high standards set by the teams before them. The Warriors know what it takes to win, and they have the talent, coaching, and mindset to get back to the top. With a target on their backs and unfinished business, the 2025 Warriors aren’t just playing for redemption, they’re playing to remind everyone exactly who runs Nebraska football.
Leading the charge for the Warriors’ offense is junior quarterback Braylen Warren, a rising star who has already drawn interest from several Division I programs thanks to his strong arm, athleticism, and poise under pressure. Warren will have a key target in senior wide receiver Eli Johnson, who steps into the WR1 role after a breakout junior year with 10 touchdowns and 515 receiving yards. Now the go-to guy in the passing game, Johnson is hungry to prove he can lead the receiving corps and deliver big performances week after week. With both players stepping into bigger roles, all eyes will be on how far this duo can take the Warrior offense in 2025.
Johnson is stepping into the lead receiver role with a mindset focused on daily improvement and strong leadership. “I just have the mindset that I need to improve every day and never get satisfied,” he said. “We have a really talented room and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do as a group,” Johnson added, showing his confidence in the team’s potential this season.
The motivation from last year’s championship loss remains a powerful driving force for Johnson and the Warriors. “It for sure puts extra fire into us as a team,” Johnson said. “We all remember how it felt after the game, seeing the seniors end their career like that. We really have preached never forgetting that moment and using it as motivation in our training.”
For his senior year, Johnson has clear personal and team goals.
“Number one is obviously bringing the trophy back to Westside,” Johnson said. In addition to that, he hopes to earn first-team all-state honors on both offense and defense. “I know that it won’t just come to me so I am looking forward to making plays on both sides of the ball this year,” Johnson said, highlighting his commitment to contributing wherever he’s needed. As he prepares for his final season as a Warrior, Johnson wants to be remembered for his leadership and his impact, both on and off the field.
Focusing on the defensive side of the ball, the Warriors have built a reputation over the past five years as one of the toughest units in the state. Known for their physicality, discipline, and relentless energy, the defense has consistently shut down opposing offenses, rarely giving up big plays or allowing many points on the board. A major key to that success has been their ability to create pressure up front; forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions; and a lockdown secondary that thrives on limiting catches and taking away deep threats. Whether it’s stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage or blanketing receivers downfield, the Warriors’ defense has been the backbone of the team’s success and will once again be counted on to set the tone this season.
Senior Owen James, who anchors the offensive and defensive lines for Westside, spoke highly of the team’s defensive unit and the chemistry fueling their toughness. “Our defensive unit is very close this year,” James said. “A lot of my closest friends will be on the defensive side of the ball this year and we’ve all grown really close over the past three years. It’s what will allow us to play extra hard and even more physical.” That bond, he believes, is key to what sets this year’s defense apart from previous seasons.
Reflecting on last year’s narrow championship loss, James highlighted the team’s commitment to mastering the fundamentals and paying attention to the small details. “We’ve really been trying to get all the little things right. Getting an extra rep, finishing two yards past the finish, keeping the locker room clean,” he said. “These are the things that will give us that extra push to get atop the mountain once more.” This focus on discipline and effort shows the team’s determination to go all the way this time.
James also pointed out the competition he faces daily in practice, which sharpens the offensive line’s performance. “Our inside backers this season have been giving us great looks so far,” he said. “Guys like JP, Monte and Dom get tons of reps on our scout team and give us one of the best looks in the state day in and day out.” That consistent challenge, James said, “pushes our offensive line day in and day out and will be a big advantage to us this season.”
Looking ahead, James described the offensive line’s identity as one built on precision and physical dominance. “Our goal as an offense is to be a well-oiled machine. Making perfect throws, perfect catches and perfect timing on runs,” James said. “As an oline, we want to reset the line of scrimmage every play and allow our running backs to get multiple yards downfield before even getting touched by a defender.” With that mindset, James expects the offensive line to play a critical role in the Warriors’ push for a championship.
As the Westside Warriors prepare to kick off their season at Omaha North on August 28th, anticipation is building around the team’s potential and drive. With a strong blend of leadership, talent, and a relentless work ethic, the Warriors are focused on turning last year’s near miss into this year’s championship. The game will set the tone for a season full of hard-fought battles and high expectations as Westside aims to bring the trophy back to Phelps field.
