Full Breakdown
Nebraska High School Football Championships Conclude with Dominant Performances
11/26/2025, 2:13:51 PM
Championship Overview
The 2025 Nebraska high school football season culminated on November 25, 2025, at Memorial Stadium with the final three NSAA State Football Championships. The Class A, C1, and D2 titles were contested, showcasing remarkable performances from the winning teams.
Class C1 Championship: Wahoo Warriors Repeat as Champions
In the Class C1 championship, the No. 1 Wahoo Warriors defeated the No. 3 Sidney Red Raiders 20-6. Wahoo's defense was pivotal, limiting Sidney to just 3.1 yards per play and forcing five turnovers. Senior Eli Shada led the defense with 12 tackles and a sack, while star running back Kip Brigham, despite being held under 100 rushing yards for the first time in 20 games, scored two touchdowns and set multiple records, including the C1 record for career rushing touchdowns with 90. Sidney managed to score only once, with Rhys Dorcey leading a 12-play drive that concluded with an 8-yard touchdown run.
Class D2 Championship: Bishop Neumann Claims Title
The Class D2 title went to the No. 2 Bishop Neumann Cavaliers, who triumphed over No. 4 Grand Island Central Catholic 37-15. After a challenging first half affected by strong winds, Bishop Neumann's offense surged in the second half, led by senior Jack Van Slyke, who scored four touchdowns and recorded 115 rushing yards. The Cavaliers' defense was equally impressive, shutting out Grand Island Central Catholic in the second half and forcing multiple turnovers.
Class A Championship: Millard South Dominates
The Class A championship featured a commanding performance by the No. 4 Millard South Patriots, who defeated No. 3 Papillion-La Vista South 49-0. Quarterback Jett Thomalla, an Alabama commit, threw seven touchdown passes in the first half alone, completing 12 of 16 passes for 243 yards. Millard South's defense held Papillion-La Vista South to a mere 31 yards of offense, including minus-27 rushing yards. This victory marked Millard South's second consecutive state title and solidified their status as one of the most dominant teams in Nebraska high school football history.
Official Statements & Responses
First-year Millard South head coach Taylor Mendenhall expressed pride in the team's performance, stating, “A lot of long days, a lot of hours... I believe and I feel like we’re doing something right at Millard South.” Similarly, Bishop Neumann's coach Joe Pavlik remarked, “Good teams are led by coaches, great teams are led by players,” highlighting the contributions of his players in securing the championship.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the overwhelming victories, some critics pointed out the lack of competitive balance in the championships, particularly in the Class A game, where Papillion-La Vista South struggled to mount any offensive threat. The disparity in performance raised questions about the overall competitiveness of the state championship landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m just fortunate enough to be along for the ride… Good teams are led by coaches, great teams are led by players.” — Joe Pavlik, Head Coach, Bishop Neumann
- “I believe and I feel like we’re doing something right at Millard South.” — Taylor Mendenhall, Head Coach, Millard South
The 2025 NSAA State Football Championships showcased exceptional talent and determination, with Wahoo, Bishop Neumann, and Millard South emerging as champions in their respective classes.
