On Friday, Oct. 24, the Millard West Wildcats faced off against the Omaha Westview Wolverines at Buell Stadium for Senior Night. The Wildcats came out on top in a thriller, defeating the Wolverines 21–14.
The game carried major playoff implications, as the winner would clinch a playoff spot — a huge milestone for both programs. Millard West head coach David McEnaney aimed to continue building a winning standard for the Wildcats, while Westview looked to capture its first district title in school history.
After a quick three-and-out, the Wildcat offense charged down the field behind an impressive rushing attack from junior running back David Washington, along with several key runs from senior quarterback Logan Kracht. A five-yard touchdown run capped off the drive, giving Millard West an early 7–0 lead.
Another Wolverine punt gave the Wildcats another chance to build momentum, and a season-long 38-yard pass from senior quarterback Gus Dahlhauser to senior wide receiver Broderick Gemberling put the Cats in the red zone. A few plays later, Kracht connected with Gemberling for the second touchdown of the game, extending the lead to 14–0.
After an excellent kickoff from senior kicker Carter Chapp, the Wolverines started deep in their own territory at the 2-yard line. Instead of folding under the pressure, Westview slowly and effectively marched down the field. After nearly 10 minutes of game time, sophomore quarterback Scottie Minor II threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Aaron Kolala to get the Wolverines on the board, cutting the deficit to 14–7.
The Wildcat offense stalled for the rest of the half, but special teams provided a scare after a high snap sent the ball 35 yards behind the line of scrimmage. However, Chapp’s quick reaction prevented Westview from gaining field position, and the Wildcats went into halftime leading 14–7.
Coming out of the break, Millard West was set to receive the kickoff, but Westview surprised everyone with a successful onside kick recovery. The Wolverines then drained six minutes off the clock with a methodical drive capped by a quarterback sneak from Minor II, tying the game at 14–14 and making it anyone’s contest.
After several empty possessions from both teams, the Wildcats pieced together a late drive. With about four and a half minutes remaining, junior athlete Colton Williams took a reverse jet pass and threw a 12-yard touchdown to Kracht, putting Millard West ahead 21–14.
The Wildcats’ defense held firm the rest of the way, forcing a late punt and running out the clock to secure the a wild card spot with a 21–14 victory over a talented Westview squad.
