Lincoln, Neb. – The NSAA high school football playoffs continued Friday with quarterfinal action across the state. In Class B, defending champion Waverly traveled to face Gretna East in a winner‑takes‑all matchup.
Waverly started strong, building a 17‑7 lead by halftime while limiting the Griffins to just 50 passing yards. The Tigers’ defense forced several three‑and‑out series and appeared poised to advance to the semifinals.
However, Gretna East answered in the second half with a decisive 24‑point surge. The Griffins scored 24 unanswered points, turning a ten‑point deficit into a seven‑point victory, 31‑24. The comeback capped a season‑ending effort for Waverly, whose 2026 campaign concluded with the loss.
Other Quarterfinal Results
Four teams now remain in each classification, with semifinals scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.
- Class B: (No. 7) Waverly 24, (No. 2) Gretna East 31
- Class B: (No. 7) Lincoln Christian 8, (No. 2) Boys Town 13
- Class B: (No. 8) Malcolm 7, (No. 1) Grand Island Central Catholic 28
Each of these games showcased the competitive spirit of Nebraska high school football, with teams fighting for a chance to compete for the state title. Fans in the Lincoln area and throughout the state gathered at local venues and on streaming platforms to watch the action.
Looking ahead, the semifinals will feature the remaining eight teams, two from each classification. The matchups promise high‑stakes football as the schools vie for a spot in the championship game.
Coaches from the participating schools emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and community support. “Our players gave everything on the field, and we’re proud of the effort they showed,” said Waverly head coach Mark Daniels after the game. Gretna East’s coach, Tom Reynolds, praised his team’s resilience, noting, “The second half showed our character. We stayed focused and executed when it mattered most.”
Local businesses and families continue to rally behind their high school teams, reinforcing the role of athletics in fostering community pride and youth development across Nebraska.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
