Nebraska high school football playoffs: Bennington ties class B consecutive wins record with semifinal victory

In a year where there were many questions surrounding the two-time defending Class B state champions, Bennington has checked every box heading to Friday’s title game against Omaha Skutt Catholic. 

The Badgers have rolled through the regular season, capping a 38-game win streak with a dominant 30-6 win over Elkhorn North. 

The Badgers face Skutt Catholic at 7:15 p.m. Monday in Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium. Skutt beat Waverly 38-26 to reach this year’s title game. 

Class A seminfinal results

No. 1 Omaha Westside vs. No. 5 Millard West: Omaha Westside 41-0

No. 3 Elkhorn South vs. vs. No. 2 Millard South: Elkhorn South 24-13

Class A finals

Omaha Westside vs. Elkhorn South; 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21; Memorial Stadium

Our Pick

Omaha Westside. Elkhorn South scored three times in the fourth quarter to pull off a surprising win over Millard South in semifinals, and don’t be surprised if sound defensive play keeps this one close in the first half. Ultimately, though, Westside is too deep and has too much starpower to be kept out of the endzone enough for South to pull off a major upset. Westside repeats.

Class B semifinal results

No. 1 Bennington vs. No. 5 Elkhorn North: Bennington 30-6

No. 3 Omaha Skutt Catholic vs. No. 2 Waverly: Skutt Catholic 38-26

Class B finals

Bennington vs. Skutt Catholic; 7:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20; Memorial Stadium

Our Pick

Bennington. Bennington has won a record-setting 38-straight games. Those are dynasty numbers, and the Badgers have the tools necessary to three-peat. Skutt, though, could make things interesting. With a strong air attack and speed outside, Bennington’s defense will need to make plays early to set the tone. If they succeed in that regard, they will secure a third ring in three years.

Class C1 semifinals

No. 1 Wahoo vs. No. 4 Sidney: Wahoo 21-0

No. 3 Ashland-Greenwood vs. No. 2 Boone Central: Boone Central 21-14

Class C1 finals

Wahoo vs. Boone Central; 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21; Memorial Stadium

Our Pick

Wahoo. Wahoo is now 12-0 on the season, and has allowed just a single score during its current playoff run. Boone Central has the talent to stay in this game, and routed its first two opponents in playoffs. We like Wahoo here, but close.

Class C2 semifinals

No. 1 Norfolk Catholic vs. No. 4 Fillmore Central: Norfolk Catholic 42-7

No. 3 Ord vs. No. 10 Yutan: Ord 35-7

Class C2 finals

Norfolk Catholic vs. Ord; 2:45 pm Tuesday, Nov. 21; Memorial Stadium

Our Pick

Norfolk Catholic. Norfolk Catholic is looking to secure back-to-back titles with a win in this year’s championship game. Ord, though, is looking for some payback. Last year, they were knocked out of playoffs following a 38-6 loss to the Knights. This could be a high-scoring affair, and we like the Knights to come out on top.

Class D1 semifinals

No. 1 Stanton vs. No. 5 Sandy Creek: Stanton 48-36

No. 3 Crofton vs. No. 7 Exeter-Milligan/Friend: EMF 44-28

Class D1 finals

Stanton vs. EMF; 10:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20; Memorial Stadium

Our Pick

EMF. EMF has been a big surprise in this year’s D1 playoff bracket. Last year, EMF fell in the opening round of playoffs, but has bounced back in a big way this season. Stanton made semifinals last season before falling to eventual champion Clarkson/Leigh. Stanton will be favored in this game, but EMF has looked every bit the part. We are taking the upset in this matchup.

Class D2 semifinals

No. 8 Sandhills/Thedford vs. No. 4 South Loup: Sandhills/Thedford 33-18

No. 11 Howells-Dodge vs. No. 2 Wynot: Wynot 22-14

Class D2 finals

Sandhills/Thedford vs. Wynot; 2:45 pm Monday, Nov. 20; Memorial Stadium

Our Pick

Wynot. Wynot is looking to capture a title this year after being eliminated by Bloomfield in last year’s quarterfinals. They took care of defending champion Howells-Dodge this year in semis. Sandhills/Thedford has looked sound during their playoff run, scoring more than 30 points in each game. Wynot, though, has a sound defense and will score points. We like Wynot.

Class D6 semifinals

No. 1 Sumner-Eddyville-Miller vs. No. 5 Wilcox-Hildreth: SEM 44-14

No. 6 Parkview Christian vs. No. 7 Hay Springs: Hay Springs 65-41

Class D6 finals

SEM vs. Hay Springs; 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17; Cope Stadium University of Nebraska at Kearney

Our Pick

SEM. SEM, just like Hay Springs, can score a lot of points. The difference in this one, we believe, will be SEM’s defense. This could be a high-scoring battle, but we believe SEM will get more stops and take away a state championship.