High school football in Nebraska kicks off Aug. 20. In preparation for openers around the Cornhusker State, we are sizing up the contenders with a look at the state's top 25 teams across all classifications.
Expect Omaha Westside to be a major story this fall as it seeks the school's first state title since going back-to-back in 1981 and 1982. The Warriors reached championship games in 2006, 2013 and last year but fell short in each opportunity.
One big reason for optimism at Westside is the presence of the state's best player in all-purpose star Avante Dickerson, who is committed to Minnesota. Dickerson tallied over 700 rushing and receiving yards as a junior while also playing cornerback, where he picked off four passes.
But the team that dominated Westside 35-0 in last year's Class A championship isn't slipping too far in Bellevue West. The Thunderbirds are in the hunt for their third state title in five years.
See the complete list below. Click on team links for schedules, rosters and previews.
Nebraska Preseason MaxPreps Top 251.
Omaha Westside (Omaha), 10-3
2.
Bellevue West (Bellevue), 13-0
3.
Wahoo, 13-0
4.
Skutt Catholic (Omaha), 13-0
5.
Millard South (Omaha), 10-2
6.
Pierce, 12-1
7.
Scottsbluff, 12-1
8.
Oakland-Craig (Oakland), 13-0
9.
Aurora, 7-4
10.
St. Paul, 11-1
11.
Millard West (Omaha), 11-1
12.
Ord, 7-4
13.
Scotus (Columbus), 8-3
14.
Hastings, 8-3
15.
Wayne, 9-3
16.
Waverly, 10-2
17.
Roncalli Catholic (Omaha), 9-3
18.
Kearney Catholic (Kearney), 7-3
19.
Adams Central (Hastings), 11-1
20.
Sutton, 11-2
21.
Elkhorn South (Omaha), 7-4
22.
Gothenburg, 8-2
23.
Aquinas (David City), 8-3
24.
Burke (Omaha), 9-2
25.
Lincoln Southeast (Lincoln), 9-2
