Two dominant backs in Connor Sams and Nathan Axmann are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Gretna East Griffins will take on the Waverly Vikings at 7:15 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Gretna East is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 55-34 margin over Gretna. Winning may never get old, but the Griffins sure are getting used to it with their tenth in a row.
Chase Grow
| 11/14/25 vs Gretna | 184 |
| 11/07/25 vs Skutt Catholic | 105 |
| 10/31/25 vs Standing Bear | 96 |
| 10/16/25 @ Elkhorn North | 82 |
| 10/10/24 vs Ralston | 74 |
It was another big night for Chase Grow, who rushed for 184 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 12 carries, and also threw for 124 yards and two TDs. Those 184 rushing yards gave him a new career-high. Cade Thompson made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Gretna East was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 378 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 150 rushing yards in 11 consecutive contests.
Gretna East didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Mason Muller and Thompson. Thompson got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Waverly faced Bennington in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Vikings put the hurt on the Badgers with a sharp 38-18 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Vikings have posted against the Badgers since August 31, 2018.
Gretna East better keep an eye on Brockston Teply. He was instrumental in Waverly's win, throwing for 130 yards and three touchdowns.
Gretna East's record is now 11-1. As for Waverly, their record now sits at 12-0.
Monday's game might be decided on the ground. Gretna East has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 258.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Waverly struggles in that department as they've been averaging 176.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Monday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Gretna East took a serious blow against Waverly in their previous meeting back in October of 2023, falling 46-6. Can the Griffins avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
