Ninth-Ranked Omaha Central Stuns Second-Ranked Omaha Westside at Phelps Field

Omaha Central delivered one of the biggest statements of the 2025 season on Friday night, going on the road and taking down second-ranked Omaha Westside 31-28. The win snapped Westside’s long home streak dating back to 2019 and marked the first time an OPS team has beaten the Warriors in nearly a decade.

Eagles Fly Out Early

Central set the tone immediately, building a 21-0 lead by halftime. Senior quarterback B.J. Newsome was at the center of it all, throwing three touchdown passes and using his legs to extend drives. The balance between his passing and rushing created problems that Westside couldn’t solve in the first half.

The ground attack was equally punishing. Sophomore running back Kylonn Haynie ripped off chunk gains all night, including a long touchdown run that proved to be the only score Central managed after halftime. Combined with Newsome’s mobility, the Eagles finished with more than 200 rushing yards.

Through the air, the big-play connection with sophomore Yasir Grixby stood out. Grixby found the end zone twice on long receptions, while veteran wideout Tory Pittman added another touchdown grab in the red zone.

Defense Holds Firm

The Eagles’ defense deserves just as much credit. Westside entered the game averaging more than 400 yards of offense, but Central’s front seven swarmed early, holding the Warriors under 160 yards in the first half. Linebackers and edge rushers closed gaps quickly, and the secondary limited explosive plays until the late stages.

Standout performances came across the board — from the defensive line generating pressure to the back end creating turnovers. That energy fueled Central’s fast start and kept momentum on their side deep into the fourth quarter.

Warriors Fight Back

Westside didn’t fold. Junior quarterback Braylen Warren threw for nearly 300 yards, and star running back Tay Tay Jenkins showcased his versatility with over 100 yards rushing and more than 150 receiving. His long touchdown catches in the second half brought the Warriors back into striking distance, and a late scoring drive cut the deficit to three in the final seconds.

Still, Central recovered the last onside kick attempt to put the game away, leaving Westside short of another dramatic comeback.

Why This Win Matters

This result goes beyond a single game. Central not only beat a top-two opponent, but did so on the road where Westside had been unbeatable for six years. It also snapped Westside’s regular-season streak and added a signature victory to Central’s résumé, firmly placing the Eagles in the championship conversation.

Looking Ahead

At 4-1, Omaha Central has reestablished itself as a dangerous force in Class A. The combination of Newsome’s veteran leadership, Grixby’s emergence as a breakout playmaker, and a defense that can neutralize high-powered offenses makes them a complete team.

For Westside, the setback doesn’t erase their title hopes, but it does change the perception. The Warriors are no longer untouchable — and the rest of the state now knows they can be beaten.

Omaha Central’s win wasn’t just an upset. It was a reminder that the path to the state championship game in Nebraska is wide open — and the Eagles are flying straight into the heart of the race.