DISTRICT A-1
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| 2022 STANDINGS | OVR | DIST | |
| 1 | MILLARD SOUTH | 6-5 | 4-0 |
| 2 | LINCOLN EAST | 5-5 | 3-1 |
| 3 | LINCOLN NORTH STAR | 4-5 | 2-2 |
| 4 | LINCOLN HIGH | 4-5 | 1-3 |
| 5 | COLUMBUS | 1-8 | 0-4 |
2023 SUMMER SNAPSHOT
COLUMBUS DISCOVERERS (1-8)
WHAT WE THINK WE MIGHT KNOW: After a thrilling goal line stand gave the Discoverers a season-opening win on the road at Fremont, the trek after its rival victory was treacherous. Columbus was derailed by a mix of tricky teams in the district slate along with solid playoff teams. Despite the season not panning out as hoped, experience was gained at QB with Braylon Vancura (241 passing, 2 TD’s) and junior Will Wickham (352 passing, 2 TD’s). Dylan Crumley (277 rushing, 2 TD’s) and Tanner Esch (328 total yards, 5 TD’s) also return to provide some spark offensively. Columbus’ strength will be up front, led by Joel Thomas (6’3/290) and Carter Fedde (6’0/240). Defensively, Isaiah Kibalya (42 tackles, 3 TFL), LB Caden Kapels (6’5/210; 37 tackles), and junior Cooper Buxton (2 sacks) will be among the leaders. A player with All-State potential is P Kael Forney (40.5 yards per punt). Columbus had qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons before missing out last season.
SEASON OPENER: August 18 vs. Fremont
LINCOLN EAST SPARTANS (5-5)
WHAT WE THINK WE MIGHT KNOW: After losing to five playoff teams a year ago including the last two coming to teams that were unbeaten late in the season, Lincoln East has reason for optimism as the two-time state champion attempts to make the postseason for the sixth straight season. Back is junior QB Jeter Worthley (1,704 yards, 14 TD’s; 343 rushing, 5 TD’s) and his arm strength. Two-way RB/LB college prospect Dash Bauman (676 total yards, 6 TD’s; 77 tackles) is one of the top overall players in the capital city. A lineman to watch is junior Ethan Garner (6’3/290). College prospect Caden Cetak (6’4/220; 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and Noah Pedersen (36 tackles) will lead the defensive front for the Spartans. If newcomers step up in key positions including wide receiver and the defensive backfield, Lincoln East will be in the thick of the playoff race yet again. With the forecasted parity in Lincoln coming once again in 2023, anything is possible.
SEASON OPENER: August 25 at Kearney
LINCOLN HIGH LINKS (4-5)
WHAT WE THINK WE MIGHT KNOW: Lincoln High was talented enough athletically in stay in some games and make a playoff push before falling short a year ago. Questions at QB loomed over the Links which led to inconsistent play on offense. RB Corien Williams-Barney (6’0/230) is one of the names to watch in District A-1 this fall. Williams-Barney will likely be the focal point of the offense in 2023. One of the more underrated prospects in the state of Nebraska is OL Peyton Everett (6’3/270), who really jumps out on film. Lincoln High’s recent level of success came on the backend of the 2010’s, reaching the playoffs in four of five seasons ending in 2020. If the Links can find some consistency, there are some wins on the schedule available. There is talent available on the roster.
SEASON OPENER: Week 1 vs. Lincoln Southeast (Date TBD)
LINCOLN NORTH STAR NAVIGATORS (4-5)
WHAT WE THINK WE MIGHT KNOW: If you are doing your due diligence before the 2023 season, you would have to consider Lincoln North Star to be one the biggest sleepers in Class A next fall. Creighton Prep QB transfer Dean Donaldson will perhaps help push the Navigators into the state playoffs for the first time since 2020. In order to do that, North Star still must fare better against teams in the playoff hunt. WR/DB Thomas Davis is a viable threat on offense. OL Jayden Potter (6’6/290) is one of the top linemen in Lincoln. DL Xavier Von Busch (6’3/280) leads the defensive front. LB’s Carter Dougherty (71 tackles) and junior Cameron Bretting (52 tackles, 10 TFL) play bigger than their size. DB Braeden Sunken (6’3/190; 32 tackles, 5 INT’s) is considered a college prospect with his tape and frame; There is a chance North Star can take the next step in 2023, but crucial games against the likes of Lincoln High and Lincoln East will be key.
SEASON OPENER: Week 0 vs. Omaha Benson (Date/Stadium TBD)
MILLARD SOUTH PATRIOTS (6-5)
WHAT WE THINK WE MIGHT KNOW: A legitimate top 10 team last season, the Patriots did the best they could during the season in order to hold on to make the playoffs due to instability at quarterback. Millard South won a playoff game a year ago with its deceiving record after recovering and looking as advertised late in the season. With experience in the quarterback mix a year ago, sophomore Jett Thomalla (6’4/180; 305 passing, 3 TD’s) appears to be the one the Patriots will call on going forward with huge upside. RB spark plug Nolan Feller (764 rushing, 6 TD’s) and elite level sophomore talent Amarion Jackson (481 receiving, 5 TD’s) are the others to watch on offense. Up front, Millard South have one of the more formidable units in the state. OL Max Gray (6’3/275) and Maddox Georgius (6’4/250) are the main prospects on the offensive line. On defense, JR Lecuona (77 tackles, 11 TFL, 2.5 sacks) is one of the most underrated prospects in the state. Prospects to watch are Plano (TX) East move-in Aidan Miller (39 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks) and junior DL Adam Pugh (6’4/220; 30 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 5 sacks), who may be one of the 2025 names to watch the most this season. With its role players like WR Na’Zaire Djissenou, LB Trae Weaver and DB Delunn Jones also being talented, Millard South will be a threat to be in the preseason top five in August and last missed the playoffs in 2016.
SEASON OPENER: August 25 at Millard West
2023 SUMMER SNAPSHOTS: District A-1 | District A-2 | District A-3 | District A-4 | District A-5 | District A-6
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