Millard West vs. Millard South

• Setting the stage: Not since 1995-96, with Millard South and Papillion-La Vista, have the same two teams made it to back-to-back finals. Bad news for the defending champion Wildcats: Papillion won the payback game that time.

• Rewind: Last year's loss dropped Millard South to 1-2 against West in the playoffs. In the regular season this year, the Patriots won 28-0.

• When Millard West has the ball: There's no telling who's taking the snap, as offensive coordinator Seth Turman sometimes has running backs Darius Evans (897 yards) and Vincenzo Guido (1,274) taking direct snaps. Halfback passes are possible. Zach Whitham, who took over at QB in the fourth game, has thrown for 1,186 yards. Six of his 14 TD passes have gone to Brian Buttry. Millard South's defense will bend some, but the Wildcats have to account for junior Quentin Urban. He's leading Millard South in tackles.

• When Millard South has the ball: Bronson Marsh is one of the best quarterbacks from Class A in the past 20 years, on the verge of setting the 11-man career passing record. He also is the Patriots' rushing leader. Anthony Felici leads a balanced receiving corps. Millard West will have to bring pressure with the likes of Matt Longacre, who had a huge game in the 2008 final, to try to disrupt Marsh's rhythm.

• Final words: Millard West is vastly improved, especially on offense, from when the Patriots whacked them in September. But Millard South is playing better defense, too. If the Patriots get a couple of big special-team plays, this game could get out of hand. Millard West's best chance is to forge an early lead, practice ball control and take away Millard South's rushing threat. That said, expect Marsh to go out as a champion.

— Stu Pospisil

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