DISTRICT A-2
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| 2022 STANDINGS | OVR | DIST | |
| 1 | GRETNA | 12-1 | 4-0 |
| 2 | BELLEVUE WEST | 7-4 | 3-1 |
| 3 | PAPIO SOUTH | 6-4 | 2-2 |
| 4 | OMAHA SOUTH | 4-5 | 1-3 |
| 5 | BELLEVUE EAST | 4-5 | 0-4 |
2022 SUMMER SNAPSHOT
BELLEVUE EAST (4-5)
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW: Last season, Bellevue East fought its tail off and won four games for the first time since a stretch of three straight seasons from 2013-2015. Athletic two-way star Mason Chandler (1,463 total yards, 18 TD’s; 94 tackles, 4 sacks) was used at QB as a Plan B, which led to some success for Bellevue East. Along with Chandler in the run game, RB Andrew Lucas (365 rushing, 5 TD’s) provides experience. A player to watch on both sides of the ball is senior WR/DB Tynarius Harris. Expect OL/DL Enrique Foster (6’0/250) to lead the effort up front. Junior LB Dillon Ginter (49 tackles, 5 TFL) and DB Adin Carrera (27 tackles, INT) will be play larger than their size and will be amongst the leaders on what should be an improved defense. There are some wins available on the schedule in 2023 for Bellevue East. With the pieces returning, a push for a .500 record and a playoff berth are not out of the question. In order to do that, better results within the district (0-4 a year ago) will be required.
SEASON OPENER: Week 1 at Lincoln Northeast (Date/Stadium TBD)
FUN FACT: If you are wondering where junior viral QB sensation Mikey Gow went, he now attends Mustang HS in the Oklahoma City area.
BELLEVUE WEST THUNDERBIRDS (7-4)
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW: Its hallways are rampant with foot traffic from college coaches in the offseason. This particular season, however, there are a lot m ore eyes on the Thunderbirds. Three elite level prospects are a huge reason. From an offense that averaged 50 points per game, Bellevue West had its three main weapons returning, Nebraska QB commit and Elite 11 finalist Daniel Kaelin (3,106 passing, 39 total TD’s), WR Dae’Vonn Hall (62 receptions, 974 yards, 11 TD’s), and WR Isaiah McMorris (1,297 receiving, 14 TD’s) are amongst the hottest college football prospects in the region. McMorris caught a state record 90 passes last season. There are a handful of other young wide receivers to watch as well who will develop over time. ATH Dylan Sheard (1,331 total yards, 13 TD’s), a transfer from Omaha South, will help bolster the roster along with returning RB CJ Gauff (559 rushing, 7 TD’s). Converted hoopster Jacob Arop (6’6/260) has the frame and moves well enough to give some college coaches something to consider while leading an experienced front. Sophomore Araf Evans Jr. enters the season with Power 5 offers, while Kaprice Keith is name to remember. A year ago, the regular season record was hampered by a highly difficult schedule. The Thunderbirds could fare a little better this time around, with the highlight coming Week 3 against defending champion Omaha Westside. The other non-district games will not be easy.
SEASON OPENER: August 18 vs. Creighton Prep
FUN FACT: The last Nebraska high school to have three players sign to Power 5 schools in one class was Millard North in 2006. It appears Bellevue West will equal that in the Class of 2024. Kaelin, Hall, and McMorris are all considered highly likely to equal that feat.
GRETNA DRAGONS (12-1)
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW: After falling short despite an amazing effort in the state title game a year ago, Gretna will need to reload quickly without key FBS signees coming back for another run. A lot will be made of the split as Gretna East opens this fall, but very few of the holdovers from last season that played meaningful snaps have moved to the new school. Depth from this point forward will need to be developed, which Gretna has been good at doing. At QB with huge shoes to fill may be Alex Wilcoxson (5 INT’s on defense), who has had success on the hardwood in big-time scenarios and won’t be detoured by the bright lights. RB Isaiah Weber (928 rushing, 12 TG’s) gives Gretna a lift out of the backfield, while WR Michael Scheef (246 receiving, 2 TD’s) is a suitable option in the passing game. Returning starters on the offensive line will boost the Dragons, led by juniors Kalvin Janssen (6’4/280) and Griffin Goldman (6’3/250). DB’s Joey Vieth (24 tackles) and Alex Runge (39 tackles, 4 INT’s) will be the top holdovers on defense. After three players moved on to Power 5 programs as well as a host of others who will be playing on Saturday’s, it is logical to expect at least some drop off in 2023. There is a good chance the Dragons reload quickly.
SEASON OPENER: August 25 vs. Omaha Burke
OMAHA SOUTH PACKERS (4-5)
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW: Not much. Omaha South’s former head coach James Patterson left for Omaha Burke within the last month. It would be unfair at this point, due to the amount of questions, to make an informed opinion on the outlook for 2023. Last season, Omaha South nearly finished above .500 for the first time in a really long time. The Packers scored some points a year ago, including a 61-60 loss to South Sioux City, averaging 33.9 points per game. (Update: Omaha South named Djuan Johnson as its head coach. Johnson comes to Omaha from Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar, where he was the offensive line coach.)
SEASON OPENER: August 25 at Omaha Bryan
PAPILLION-LA VISTA SOUTH TITANS (6-4)
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW: Last season, Papillion-La Vista South qualified for the state playoffs for the fourth straight campaign. QB Sam Schuler (1,428 passing, 16 total TD’s) is back to run the offense. Senior Kylan Conner (501 rushing, 5 TD’s) and sophomore to watch RB Derek Jones (151 rushing, 2 TD’s) are capable options out of the backfield. A player with big play potential is WR/DB Royceon Skogerboe (350 receiving, 4 total TD’s). Clever play-calling was key in TE Keenan Flannery (330 receiving, 25.4 per catch, 5 TD’s)) showcasing his abilities for huge plays to provide a spark on offense. Prospects to watch are junior WR Bryson Bahl and sophomore DT Hudson Meckna (6’1/280) The Titans were very good up front a year ago and will need newcomers to step up and fill holes left by graduation on a unit led by Austin Hurt (6’2/275). Junior LB Ben Schafer (6’2/195, 30 tackles, 5 TFL) leads an inexperienced defense. K Christian Campbell (33-35 PAT’s; 5/6 FG) gives the Titans consistency in special teams. Without question, the Titans will be in the playoff discussion yet again in 2023.
SEASON OPENER: August 18 at North Platte
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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