Will Westside Three-Peat?

Omaha Westside kicked off their 2024 season with a convincing 22-7 victory over Omaha North, sending a clear message that the reigning back-to-back Class A state champions are still the team to beat. With a balanced offense and a suffocating defense, the Warriors look poised to make another run at a state title. But the road ahead is not easy, especially with a starting roster filled with new and young faces, as Westside will face four more ranked opponents, making their quest for a third straight championship one of the toughest challenges yet.

A Dominant Start

Westside’s season opener against Omaha North, which was ranked fifth at the time, showcased their defensive prowess and offensive potential. The Warriors’ defense set the tone from the very beginning, forcing a safety in the first quarter and keeping the Vikings off the scoreboard until the final minutes of the game. The defense was led by senior linebacker Ty Sidzyik and senior safety Christian Jones, both of whom made key plays, including an interception by Jones.

Offensively, the Warriors took control in the second half. Sophomore quarterback Braylen Warren was impressive, completing 14 of 23 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns. His chemistry with junior receiver Eli Johnson and senior Keynan Cotton was on full display, as both hauled in touchdown receptions. Meanwhile, sophomore running back Tay Tay Jenkins had a standout performance, rushing for 144 yards on 26 carries.

A Gauntlet of Ranked Opponents

While Westside’s season opener was a strong start, the path to a potential three-peat will not be easy. The Warriors are set to face four more regular-season opponents currently ranked in the top ten, making this one of the toughest schedules in the state.

Their next challenge comes against (7) Bellevue West, followed by (10) Omaha Central, (3) Elkhorn South, and (8) Papillion-La Vista. Each of these teams presents a unique set of challenges, and you can bet they will give their all to knock off the reigning champions. Each of these games will serve as a test for Westside, and the Warriors know that every opponent will be aiming to take down the defending champions.

Defense Wins Championships

As the saying goes, defense wins championships, and for Westside, their defense may be the key to securing another state title. In their season opener, the Warriors held Omaha North to just seven points and recorded 48 total tackles. Senior leaders like Sidzyik and Jones will need to continue anchoring the defense, while younger players step up in big moments.

Westside’s defense will face some of the state’s best offenses in the coming weeks. How well the Warriors can contain these teams will likely determine whether they can make another deep playoff run.

Can They Do It?

The pieces are certainly in place for Omaha Westside to capture their third consecutive state title. They have talent on both sides of the ball, strong leadership, and a coaching staff that knows how to win in big moments. However, with four ranked opponents still ahead, the Warriors will need to stay focused and execute at a high level if they want to three-peat.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Westside. The question remains: Can the Warriors navigate their challenging schedule and claim their third straight state championship?