#9 Omaha Creighton Prep (Last Game: W over Lincoln High 32-0) attempts to start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2014.  In their way is another winless team, 0-3 Millard North (Last Game: L to MIllard South, 44-7). Last year the Junior Jays pulled away easily, winning 35-14.  This is what to watch for:

Millard North got slammed this year with an even tougher schedule than Lincoln High.  The Mustangs have already played 3 top 4 teams in the state in #3 Millard West, #4 Elkhorn South, and #2 Millard South, and Prep and Omaha Burke still loom on the schedule.  

The Mustangs haven’t made their games exciting, and their average margin of defeat is 31.7 points.  The schedule is difficult, but they have been unable to even keep it close.

The Mustang offense has some senior firepower, with Alec Blakestad and Gabriel Terry starting at receiver.  One of the starting split backs, Keshaun Wright, is also a senior.  

Last week, the Junior Jays manhandled Lincoln High, winning 32-0.  Linebacker Tobey Okafor opened up the scoring with a pick six and it was all smooth sailing from there.  

Quarterback John Coniglio once again had an excellent game through the air, going just 8-20 but for 92 yards and 3 scores.  His primary receiver, senior Mason Armstead, had 71 of the yards and 2 of the touchdowns. The running game took a step back, and Brayden Woodward led all rushers with 33 yards on 5 carries.  The defense was also very good, forcing 2 turnovers (including Okafor’s pick six) and allowing just 96 total yards. 

Prep fans should be feeling very confident about this game under the Thursday Night Lights.  Prep’s passing game has finally come into its own (5 touchdowns in the last 2 games, after just 1 against Omaha North) and the defense is hungrier than ever.  Despite their ranking remaining unchanged, the Junior Jays have greatly improved already this year and I expect them to only get better.

Millard North does not have a win against a ranked team this year.  Don’t expect that to change Thursday night.

My final prediction is 35-7 Creighton Prep.