Playoff experience, top-notch defense puts Millard West on top of Omaha-dominated state rankings.
As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Nebraska for the 2009 season.
1. Millard West
Like many of their Class A counterparts, the Wildcats lost a lot of talent off of last season’s Class A state title team. Four all-state players are gone. Coming back for coach Kirk Peterson, however, are stud running backs Darius Evans and Vincenzo Guido, who got better as the season went on. While the running back position is solidified, a battle is brewing at the quarterback position between Zach Whitham and Zach Leinbaugh. Senior Brian Buttry will give one of the Zachs a big receiver to play catch with. Returning on the line is senior center Josh Meeker. Defensive end Matt Longacre, an all-state candidate, returns from a defense that ranked third in Class A last year in terms of yards allowed. Brandon Yost, Kevin Drwal and Matt Kottwitz will also be forces on the defensive line. Phillip Colling, John Finochairo, Dan Schmit and Tyler Reynolds will compete for playing time at linebacker, while John Hower will dish out hits from the secondary.
Millard West (Neb.) is on top in the Cornhusker State
Jeremy Alm
Last season Ronald Coleman rushed for over 800 yards and 21 touchdowns during the regular season and into the Vikings' Class A semifinal run, which included an eventual 29-19 loss to champion Millard West. But defense is where the two-time all-state nose guard will make the most noise for coach Larry Martin. Zach Scott and Andrew Jindra will join Coleman up front. Coleman will also team up with Airreast Shelly and Kendall Anderson to form one of Nebraska’s top offensive backfields. Senior Mitch Johnson returns as North’s top pass catcher and will probably be on the other end of new quarterback Jacob Claeys' aerials. Set to provide protection and create gaping holes are linemen Scott, Jared Baxter, Abram Walker and Thashan Dennis. Rashad Erwin-Ingram and Jindra will get the nod to start at tight end again.{VIDEO_cc2b9328-0aee-4f14-a397-8eec829a58b8,floatRightWithBar}
3. Omaha Burke
Omaha Burke has speed to burn at the skill positions with junior quarterback Jimmy Forsythe and senior running back Stephen Washington running the show. When you throw into the mix an offensive line that returns four starters in Donte Beasley, Collyn Schlagenhauff, Jake Olafson and Jessie Straughter, it's easy to see why this offense is one of the more explosive in the Husker State in 2009. Defensively, linebackers Jake Harding, Beasley and Austin Williams will get the job done, while Chris Lucido returns in the Bulldog secondary. Other talent returns as well giving coach Paul Limongi the right ingredients to move past last season’s first-round loss to Bellevue West.
4. Millard South
Quarterback Bronson Marsh returns to the fold for one more run with the Patriots. With a good season, Marsh will be in excellent position to break every passing record in Nebraska high school football history. If Millard South is going to get by the competition and win a Class A state title, however, the Patriots will have to find other players to step up. Returning running back Tre Sacks and defensive back Quentin Urban will help. First-team Super-State lineman Gary Hiatt also returns as does wide receiver/defensive back Brad McKewon.
5. Millard North
Following a subpar season last year, Millard North looks like a team that could rebound in a big way this fall. Although the Mustangs could still be a year away, a playoff appearance is likely. Coach Fred Petito has skilled quarterback Nick Failla back to drive his offense and speedy running back Dion James. On defense, outside linebacker Cole Fisher is ready to beat up Mustang opposition. Up front Damond Parker, Ryan Wheeler and Lincoln Hansen are set to man the defensive line, while Ben Renshaw is the leader of the Mustang secondary. Petito has plenty more young talent waiting in the wings for an opportunity to get on to the field this fall.
Other Teams Considered: Aurora (12-1), Bellevue West (7-4), Lincoln North Star (9-2), Lincoln Southwest (6-4), Millard North (2-7), Omaha Creighton Prep (11-1), Papillion-LaVista (5-5), Papillion-LaVista South (5-5).
