Westside’s season came to a close Friday night with a 62–21 loss to Millard South, ending a playoff run filled with grit, persistence, and a deep belief in one another. The matchup carried extra weight for everyone involved, not only was it a rematch of last year’s state championship, but it was also a nationally spotlighted game that drew thousands of fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder around the stadium. With two future Division I quarterbacks headlining the matchup, the atmosphere crackled from the opening kickoff.
The Warriors opened the night with energy, responding quickly with a touchdown after Millard South struck first with a deep touchdown pass to 3 star Mizzou commit tight end Isaac Jensen, and keeping things competitive in the early going before the Patriots’ high-powered offense found its rhythm. Junior quarterback Braylen Warren showed toughness throughout the night, finishing 8 of 18 for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Even as Millard South brought heavy pressure and disguised blitzes, Warren continued to push the ball downfield, refusing to shy away from big-play opportunities. But in the end, the star studded defense for Millard South was able to hold Warren in check, refusing to let up big plays.
Specifically in the run game, Tay Tay Jenkins has been one of, if not the best running back in Nebraska highschool football this season, but as a team, Westside was held to only 1.9 yards a carry. South also accumulated 4 sacks on the night, generating pressure consistently.
Senior receiver Mo Purify made the most of his targets, turning both of his receptions into touchdowns and totaling 37 receiving yards. Senior Eli Johnson added three catches for 61 yards, including a couple of key plays that helped spark the offense and keep the Warriors’ sideline buzzing. Junior running back Tay Tay Jenkins contributed in multiple ways, running for 50 yards while also adding 76 receiving yards and a touchdown, showcasing the versatility that will make him a central figure in next year’s offense.
Late in the first half, Westside delivered one of its biggest defensive moments of the season. With Millard South driving and threatening to extend its lead, senior Bryson Williams jumped a route and intercepted a pass, cutting short the Patriots’ momentum and giving the Warriors a chance heading into halftime. Although the offense couldn’t capitalize before the clock ran out, the play symbolized the defensive fight Westside carried throughout the night in the face of a relentless opponent.
Several defenders stepped up against one of the most explosive units in the state. Junior linebacker Reid McIntyre led the team with 10 total tackles, consistently reading and reacting to plays in space. Senior linebacker JP Ryan added three tackles and a tackle for loss, filling gaps and setting an example with his physical, downhill style of play. The stat line didn’t define the kind of night Ryan had, as he made a huge impact in pass coverage, ensuring very few catches were made in his zone.
“This team never stopped believing in each other,” Ryan said. “We knew who we were facing, but we weren’t backing down from anybody. We wanted to go out swinging.”
Senior two-way lineman Owen James, who battled through significant snaps on both sides of the ball, reflected on the weight of the moment after the final whistle. “It hits you hard when you realize it’s your last time out there,” James said. “But there’s pride too. We fought every play. We stayed together. That’s what I’ll remember.”
Even as Millard South’s offense, led by Alabama commit Jett Thomalla, began to separate in the second half, the Warriors continued to compete. Thomalla finished with seven touchdown passes, but Westside still forced long drives, pressured the quarterback, and refused to let the game turn into a lack-of-effort performance. The seniors made sure of that.
For Westside’s graduating class, the game marked the end of years spent shaping the program’s identity. They leave behind a legacy of resilience, pride, and accountability, one that will carry into next fall. Younger players, including Warren and Jenkins, will now step into larger leadership roles as the Warriors prepare for their next chapter.
Millard South advances to face Papillion-La Vista South in the state championship. Westside heads into the offseason knowing its seniors left everything they had on the field, in front of a massive crowd and on one of the biggest stages Nebraska high school football has seen this year.
