More fodder for justifying schedule adjustments comes from last week’s scorelist.
The average score across all classes was 48-14. For Classes A and B, it was 47-7.
Only one game in the state’s two largest classes ended up decided by only one score, Gretna’s 35-28 win over Plattsmouth in Class B.
This made national news.
Westwood One Radio’s NFL pre-game show last Sunday mentioned Nebraska’s disparity in Classes A and B was the largest of the week in any state’s top two classes. An ignominious distinction, indeed.
But it backs up Class A going away from district play where perennial powers must play long-struggling teams. And to an extent Class B’s experiment of creating an “emerging district” for struggling teams.
For the other classes, and there will be an eighth coming with the advent of Eight Man-3 next season, why keep all district games at the end of the season? Why not move one or two of the non-district games, which ostensibly are pairing like-caliber teams, later in the season (think SEC scheduling) rather than front-loading them and back-loading district contests?
The ‘F’ word – Forfeits
Lincoln High’s forfeit this week to Millard South is unfortunate, but expected. The Links are banged up after losing 57-0 to Lincoln Southeast, but attainable is the school’s first winning season since 2018 if they don’t play the Patriots and don’t lose any more players. It might be a $1,000 NSAA fine well spent.
Also not playing this week are Tekamah-Herman, forfeiting to Class C-2 Fremont Bergan; Giltner, to Bruning-Davenport/Shickley; and Nebraska Lutheran, to Deshler and canceling its final two games as well.
Some schools are patching together their teams for these final three weeks. Like Falls City, which visits undefeated Syracuse.
“We have 20 kids suiting up Friday and had to consider forfeiting because all of our QBs are hurt,’’ Falls City coach Jack Bangert said. “Luckily the Syracuse coach and I are able to work something out so we can play.
“We have had three season-ending knee injuries and a shoulder injury. We started with 27 on our roster and are down to 23 due to those season ending injuries. My guys never come off the field because you don’t want to send out freshman to play against 18-year-olds.”
A salute to those who soldier on.
Friday’s watch list
Top 10 No. 4 Omaha Westside (5-1) vs. No. 2 Elkhorn South (6-0), 7 p.m. at Elkhorn Stadium: The host Storm is facing its first ranked team since the first week of September – this test is overdue. Westside, which was given the strongest schedule of any of the Class A contenders, goes back-to-back with Omaha Creighton Prep up next week. TayTay Jenkins of Westside and Jaydon Sutko of Elkhorn South are two of the best running backs in Class A. Westside won 45-3 last year. TV: Cox 13. Radio: 1620.
Papillion-La Vista (3-3) at No. 6 Omaha Central (4-2), 7 p.m.: A win returns the Monarchs to the ratings. They split with the Eagles last season, getting payback for a 27-7 regular-season loss with a 14-7 playoff win.
Class B No. 1 Elkhorn North (6-0) at No. 6 Omaha Skutt (5-1), 7 p.m.: The Wolves, who are No. 9 in the Top 10, begin a stretch run of games against Class B contenders with the SkyHawks, followed by Thursday home games against Gretna East and Bennington. They beat Skutt 28-21 last season.
stu.pospisil@owh.com, twitter.com/stuOWH
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Stu Pospisil
Reporter – High school sports
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