SBLive Nebraska high school football power 25 rankings

By Nathan Charles 

A top-five team suffered a defeat but only four teams from Week 8’s top 25 were on the losing end of an outcome. And for those that lost, each of the four suffered the defeat to a fellow member of the list. As a result, only a handful of teams changed positions from last week. The most significant was Omaha North dropping to ninth after suffering a second loss of the season. The Vikings sit just ahead of North Platte since the Bulldogs have three losses. Millard South dropped to 4-4 but were dramatic losers in OT to No. 3 Westside in perhaps the greatest head-to-head quarterback matchup in state history.

Two members on the list are currently outside the top 16 in Class A and in danger of missing the postseason. Although many district titles have been wrapped up, scores in Week 9 will be interesting to watch in terms of the effects on playoff seeding.

1. Elkhorn South (8-0)

Omaha North stands in the way of an unbeaten season, and the Vikings will be desperate to get back on the winning track after losing at home to Grand Island. It will be the second tough test in three weeks for a Storm team that has outscored its opponents by an average of over 35 points. Elkhorn South is currently third in the Class A power points and will likely stay there with a win.

Last Week: Won 55-14 at Burke. This Week vs. No. 9 Omaha North (6-2)

2. Gretna (8-0)

The top seed for the Class A bracket is still up for grabs thanks to a Week 9 contest against No. 17 Lincoln East. Quarterback Zane Flores looks like he’ll go over 2,000 yards passing for the second year in a row while the defense has been right around last year’s level, allowing 129 points in eight games compared to 124 in last year’s regular season. Gretna is seeking a favorable playoff path for a chance at the first back-to-back Class A titles since Omaha North in 2013-2014.

Last Week: Won 71-17 vs. Omaha South. This Week vs. No. 17 Lincoln East (5-3)

3. Omaha Westside (7-1)

Westside should be primed and ready to avoid a letdown against winless Northeast thanks to a dramatic overtime win against Millard South. Of course, those situations also sometimes lead to a letdown. Either way, the Warriors have more than enough talent and depth to put away the Rockets early whether they’re focused or not.

Last Week: Won 41-34 (OT) vs. No. 12 Millard South. This Week vs. Lincoln Northeast (0-8)

4. Bennington (8-0)

The Badgers are on the cusp of a second straight unbeaten regular season and 22 wins in a row. A look at the Class B landscape shows Bennington may not be seriously challenged again until maybe the state semifinals. That could be good for rest and recovery, but bad for rhythm and execution. But Bennington has shown recently it’s not just another program. Trey Bird has 1,428 passing yards, is completing his throws at 61% and has a 21-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The offense is averaging 360 yards per game. The defense has given up just 58 total points.

Last Week: Won 21-7 at No. 24 Elkhorn North. This Week at Mount Michael (3-5)

5. Bellevue West (5-3)

The Thunderbirds have been one of the most volatile members of the top 10, seemingly changing positions every week. Such is the case for a team that has played more than half of its games against ranked opponents. Bell West is 2-3 in those contests but battle-tested and currently in position for a home game in the first round of the playoffs.

Last Week: Idle. This Week at No. 14 Papio South (6-2)

6. Creighton Prep (5-3)

Prep and Bellevue West share several similarities in how the season has unfolded, with the exception of a tough start for the Junior Jays. The schedule includes six ranked teams now that Papio joins the mix. That was a major factor in starting 1-3 but also lends support to Prep’s argument for making a deep run into the postseason.

Last Week: Won 24-20 at Papillion-La Vista. This Week vs. Omaha Benson (3-5)

7. Grand Island (6-2)

The Islanders have lost to No. 1 and No. 3 but also own three top-10 wins that put them squarely in position to earn two home games for the postseason. There’s also a chance for a rematch with rival Kearney in the second round. That would be especially meaningful for a senior class that hasn’t had the chance to face the Bearcats at home due to the Covid year and re-districting.

Last Week: Won 31-21 at No. 4 Omaha. This Week at Omaha Northwest (0-8)

8. Kearney (6-2)

The Bearcats bounced back from two straight losses with a shutout win. Closing the regular season at Norfolk will be a chance to experience playoff football a week early. The Panthers are likely playing for their lives and stand little chance to keep it going without a win. A loss would jeopardize the chance to play at home for the first round.

Last Week: Won 48-0 vs. Lincoln Northeast. This Week at Norfolk (5-3)

9. Omaha North (6-2)

North has only beaten one team with a winning record – a 14-13 victory over No. 13 Millard West – but the Vikings don’t get to make their own schedule. There is some worry that it won’t be enough to prepare for the postseason A closer review of the losses should inspire some added confidence. If the Vikings can clean up mistakes, they could be on their way to another deep playoff run. Friday is a chance to show what they’ve learned.

Last Week: Lost 31-21 vs. Grand Island. This Week at No. 1 Elkhorn South (8-0)

10. North Platte (5-3)

The Bulldogs seek to turn a three-game winning streak into four and secure a home playoff game in round one. Since the loss to Kearney dropped North Platte to 2-3, the power run game has returned for a program that has built its success on a physical ground attack. The Bulldogs are averaging 367 rushing yards in the last three wins – something that can travel once the postseason arrives.

Last Week: Won 24-13 vs. Norfolk. This Week vs. No. 25 Papillion-La Vista (4-4)

11. Aurora (8-0)

Central City can score points against any defense, but the Bison have also allowed more than 30 three times and 56 to Pierce. Aurora is closer to Pierce than the other opponents on the Central City schedule. Perhaps running back Carlos Collazo will have a chance to play at least three quarters this week and continue to rewrite the Husky record book

Last Week: Win 73-19 vs. Fairbury. This Week at Central City (5-3)

12. Millard South (4-4)

The Patriots maintain their position from last week because of an overtime loss to No.3 Westside that showed quarterback Cam Kozeal can potentially take Millard South as far as he wants to go. Four losses mean the Patriots can’t crack a top-10 seed but might be the favorite in their first two playoff games nonetheless.

Last Week: Lost 41-34 (OT) at No. 3 Westside. This Week at Lincoln High (4-4)

13. Millard West (5-3)

The Wildcats have built momentum for what looks like a tough postseason road due to a 1-3 start. They shouldn’t have any trouble against Bryan but need to play well and build confidence for next week. Whatever happens, it looks like the program has recovered from a couple of tough seasons and is ready for brighter days ahead.

Last Week: Won 27-23 at No. 15 Southwest. This Week vs. Omaha Bryan (3-5)

14. Papillion-La Vista South (6-2)

The Titans have achieved their highest win total in six seasons and will make the playoffs for the fifth time in the past six seasons. However, they failed to win a playoff game in any of those previous four trips to the postseason. Papio South beat North Platte early, was blown out by Elkhorn North and was competitive against Gretna. But do we really have a handle on the Titans yet? Friday should reveal more.

Last Week: Won 55-13 at Bellevue East. This Week vs. No. 5 Bellevue West (5-3)

15. Scottsbluff (7-1)

The Bearcats posted their second-highest rushing total of the season against Gering and will have a chance to pass their top performance with a final game with one-win Lexington. Running back Sebastien Boyle is fourth in the state in total rushing yards while middle linebacker Josiah Mobley is sixth in tackles. The defense has shut out the last two and will have a prime chance to notch its third shutout in a season for the first time since 2015.

Last Week: Won 35-0 at Gering. This Week at Lexington (1-7)

16. Lincoln Southwest (6-2)

The Silver Hawks are on the brink of earning a home playoff game with some help from other results. Southwest has wins over No. 17 East and No. 21 Southeast but have suffered its only two losses to metro teams at or above .500. Lincoln teams haven’t fared well against metro squads in recent postseason play. Is this year’s version of the Silver Hawks strong enough to begin changing that perception? Friday is a great opportunity to build that case.

Last Week: Lost 27-23 vs. No. 13 Millard West. This Week at No. 23 Millard North (4-4)

17. Lincoln East (5-3)

East appears to be in a five-team race for the final playoff spot and has the toughest matchup of any of those. Gretna will make it five games against the top 25 this season. The Spartans have gone 1-3 in those games. It would be a shame not to see quarterback Jeter Worthley and receiver Malachi Coleman left out of the postseason, but that might be the case if not for a big upset.

Last Week: Won 38-0 vs. North Star. This Week at No. 2 Gretna (8-0)

18. Pierce (8-0)

Pierce is one of just 11 remaining unbeaten teams in 11-man football and one of the three in Class C-1. The Bluejays have at least 38 points in every game and at least 48 in every game after the opener. They’ve played in the last three title games and are set up to make it four in a row.

Last Week: Won 48-26 at Boone Central. This Week vs. West Point-Beemer (2-6)

19. Omaha Gross (8-0)

The Cougars can finish off their first perfect record in 10 years if they can get past Skutt. Jake Garcia is 10th in the state in total rushing yards, the defense has given up just 66 total points and punter John Streit has the top kicking average in Class B. Gross has put together a well-rounded group that is among the Class B contenders.

Last Week: Won via forfeit vs. Omaha Buena Vista. This Week at No. 24 Skutt (6-2)

20. Elkhorn (6-2)

Elkhorn’s only losses are to two of the three unbeaten teams in Class A. The Antlers are hanging on to a top-four playoff seed at the moment but could be in trouble due to Westview’s 1-7 record. Even so, Elkhorn is easily inside a group of six Class B teams that will decide the title. However, it affects playoff seeding, a game against Westview is an excellent chance to play well and rest starters.

Last Week: Won 47-3 vs. Mount Michael. This Week at Omaha Westview (1-7)

21. Lincoln Southeast (4-4)

Southeast joins East, Millard North, Bellevue East and Papio as a five-team group likely vying for the final playoff spot. A 2-6 South Sioux team gives Southeast the best chance of any to win, but that won’t be enough if a few upsets take place. The formula is undoubtedly to hand it off to Max Buettenback as much as possible and hope for results to fall in place.

Last Week: Won 55-14 vs. Omaha Bryan. This Week at South Sioux City (2-6)

22. Waverly (6-2)

It will be interesting to watch what a week off just before the playoffs does positively or negatively for the Vikings. Lincoln Northwest canceled the remainder of the season after Week 3 and left Waverly with an open spot in Week 9. It will almost certainly cost the Vikings a spot in the playoff standings and could set up a rematch with Scottsbluff in the second round, this time out west.

Last Week: Won 14-0 vs. Seward. This Week forfeit win vs. Lincoln Northwest (0-8)

23. Millard North (4-4)

Although the Mustangs are currently the last team out of the playoffs, they could rise several spots thanks to a favorable schedule. Five of Millard North’s previous opponents can add 15 points to the Mustangs’ power points total with a win, and all five will be the favorite. That plus a victory against Southwest could vault Millard North up to 11 or 12. But first things first: beat Southwest.

Last Week: W 69-0 vs. South Sioux City. This Week vs. No. 16 Lincoln Southwest (6-2)

24. Omaha Skutt (6-2)

The pieces are in place for the Skyhawks to begin the type of run they went on last season all the way to the semifinals. Skutt was 6-3 a year ago then won two playoff games before a loss to Aurora. The Skyhawks are 6-2 once again and face another tough regular season finale: unbeaten Gross. They lost to Elkhorn in the 2021 finale but quickly turned it around. It’s all eerily similar to 12 months ago.

Last Week: Won 21-14 at Plattsmouth. This Week vs. No. 19 Gross (8-0)

25. Papillion-La Vista (4-4)

The odds are stacked against the Monarchs: road game that includes a five-hour bus trip, a top-10 opponent and a season with only one win against a team above .500. Plus, even with a win it might not be enough. The Monarchs are 19th in the power points standings and need three prior opponents to all win for their odds to increase.

Last Week: Lost 24-20 vs. No. 7 Creighton Prep. This Week at No. 10 North Platte (5-3)