The Millard North football program, shown here in 2011, posted just four wins that season. This year, though, the team is back to defend a state title.
File photo by Kristy Shaefer
Fred Petito
2012 finish: 13-0; Class A state champion
Season previewIsaac Aakre is no longer lining up behind center for the defending Class A champs, but one of his top targets,
Clay Fisher, will be back. However, this year he is expected to take over for Aakre at quarterback, giving Millard North a big, athletic playmaker at the position. Prior to last season, Millard North last won a state title in 2010. However, it followed that up with a four-win campaign in 2011. This fall, it will look to avoid much drop off from last year’s championship season.
See 2012 Nebraska team rankings, presented by Army National Guard2. Omaha NorthHead coach: Larry Martin
2012 finish: 10-3; Class A finalist
Season previewOmaha North fell just short of a state title last fall and will be back in the mix in 2013. Junior running back
Calvin Strong could be the state’s top skill player regardless of class. Senior linebacker
Elijah Hawkins is expected to be one of the team’s leaders on defense, but keep an eye on incoming freshman
Jordan Strong, Calvin’s young brother. At 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, he could step in and compete for a job on the defensive line right away.
See Nebraska rushing leaders for 20123. Lincoln SoutheastHead coach: Ryan Gottula
2012 finish: 9-2
Season previewIn the last two seasons, Southeast has gone 21-3 under head coach Ryan Gottula, including a state title in 2011. This season, it should have the players to compete for another crown. Six-foot-four
Luke Gifford is perhaps the state’s top quarterback. A dual-threat player who was recruited as an athlete, he’s committed to Nebraska. Running back
Darian Trout-Brown will look to run behind highly-touted lineman
D.J. Foster, one of the nation’s best.
See 2012 Nebraska state football brackets4. Norfolk CatholicHead coach: Jeff Bellar
2012 finish: 12-1; Class C state champion
Season previewEntering his 32nd season, 300-game winner Jeff Bellard has a chance to capture a fourth consecutive state title. Running back
Jackson Love will be the focus of the team’s offense, taking pressure off quarterback
Zach Pospisil, who will replace three-year starter Jordan Bellar.
Keegan Ehlers, who is eligible after transferring last year, is a bit of a wildcard and could be end up utilizing his speed to become a key cog in another state title run.
See Top 10 most consistent Nebraska high school football programs5. Millard West (Omaha)Head coach: Kirk Peterson
2012 finish: 7-4
Season previewMillard West will be one of the state’s more talented teams in 2013. Defensive end
Harrison Phillips is committed to Stanford; he should be extremely disruptive on defense.
Ross Drwal and
Skyler Monaghan are give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. A season-opening contest against fellow Class A title contender Lincoln Southeast will be one of the state’s top games in the early part of the season.
