Three Nebraska state high school football champions were crowned Monday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
Central Valley claimed the Class D2 state title. It’s the first state football championship for Central Valley which came into existence in 2014 when Greeley-Wolbach Public School merged with North Loup-Scotia Public School. Central Valley faced their nearby rival Riverside for the championship. The Cougars won in dominant fashion jumping out to a 24-0 after the first quarter and extended their lead to 46-6 at halftime on their way to a 52-12 victory. Central Valley was led by Zaden Wolf who finished with 153 yards rushing on 13 carries and had three touchdowns.
Sandy Creek claimed its first state football championship by edging defending state champion Stanton in the Class D1 state title game. The game went back and forth with Sandy Creek holding on for a 44-42 victory. Sandy Creek trailed 28-20 at the half but outscored Stanton 24-8 in the third quarter. Sandy Creek was led by quarterback Ethan Shaw. Shaw finished 6 of 9 passing for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns and had 178 yards rushing with 2 rushing touchdowns.
Millard South won the Class A state championship. South trailed Omaha Westside 10-6 at halftime but scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to pull away for a 27-10 win. Millard South quarterback Jett Thomala was 10 of 29 passing for 222 yards and three touchdowns.
State championship games in Class C2, C1, and Class B will take place on Tuesday.
