After falling to Fremont in a disheartening 28-14 loss, Prep returned to Omaha to host top-ranked rival Omaha Westside for senior night. The Junior Jays were looking to pull off a monumental upset to get their first district win of the season and their first victory over Westside since 2017.
Unfortunately, the Junior Jays couldn’t contain the Westside rushing attack, losing 47-7 and dropping to 0-4 in district play.
This year’s senior night echoed a familiar disappointment.
Last year, Papillion’s Peyton Prestito rushed for 325 yards and four touchdowns on Prep’s senior night, leading to a 35-7 loss.. This year, it was Warrior running back Tay Tay Jenkins who stole the spotlight. After scoring three touchdowns last week, Jenkins had 11 carries for a whopping 201 yards and three touchdowns… in the first half. Jenkins was unstoppable. Because the Warriors were up 41-0 at the half, Jenkin only saw four carries in the second half, ending with a career high 244 rushing yards.
Jenkins wasn’t the only force in the backfield. Fellow Warrior running back Finn Christensen took 12 carries, rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, the Warriors’ rushing attack dominated, amassing 322 yards — a season high for the Junior Jays’ defense..
Though he only attempted nine passes, Warrior quarterback Braylen Warren for 90 yards, including a touch pass that receiver Keynan Cotton took 40 yards for a score to end the first half.
Prep didn’t fare any better offensively. The Junior Jays were only able to total 123 yards, a season low.
Despite throwing 16 times, quarterback Tony Coniglio only completed four passes for 28 yards. He also threw an interception, which Warrior defensive back Charlie Di Lorenzo returned 60 yards for a touchdown. Coniglio was also held to two rushing yards, despite rushing 11 times. Sophomore quarterback Jake Lammers completed one pass for 16 yards, and scored Prep’s lone touchdown on a goal-line rush late in the fourth.
The Warriors’ dominant defensive line overpowered Prep’s running game. The Junior Jays rushed 34 times for 79 yards, a 2.3 yards per carry average. Running back Jacob Ruby totaled 52 yards, and his backfield partner Angelo Walker only ran for 15.
Ultimately, Westside controlled the game from start to finish. After scoring on their opening possession, Westside never gave the lead back, as Prep struggled on both sides of the ball.
This loss places significant pressure on the Junior Jays as they prepare to end the regular season against Norfolk. The Junior Jays are tied with North Platte for 18th in the current football points leaders standings, where only the top 16 qualify for the playoffs. With Fremont at 16th, Prep’s previous loss to the Tigers could come back to haunt them.
Next week, the Junior Jays face Norfolk in a crucial must-win game. Norfolk, who is 20th in the standings, is also vying for a playoff spot. The Panthers are coming off a 45-13 loss to #3 Elkhorn South. While a win won’t secure a playoff spot, a loss would effectively end the Junior Jays’ season.
