Team capsules for Nebraska high school Class A football teams. Published Aug. 23, 2010.

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Bellevue East (5-4)
Coach: Jerry Lovell, 15 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Jordan Bald, WB-CB, 5-11, 195; Jordan Skarzynski, TE-LB, 6-6, 185.
Outlook: No team has fewer returning starters in Class A, nor does any team have more 2009 playoff opponents (eight). Depth must come from sophomores.

Bellevue West (4-6)
Coach: John Faiman, 24 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Dominique Mays, WR-DB, 6-0, 190; Tim Neal, RB, 65-10, 186; Trevor LaPoint, 6-3, 220; Reed Reevis, LB, 5-10, 195; Taylor Sidzyik, LB, 6-2, 190; Tevin Williams, OL, 6-1, 240; Steve Mascarello, DE, 6-0, 180; Kelly Bradley, LB, 5-11, 210; Deontre Skaggs, OL, 5-11, 240; Elijah Woitaszewski, OL, 6-0, 230; Luis Avilez, OL, 6-0, 280; Max Crinklaw, OL, 6-3, 270; Dominique Hawkins, WR, 5-5, 160. Juniors: J.T. Travis, WR-DB, 5-9, 160; Bo Liekhus, RB-DB, 5-10, 185.
Outlook: Good team speed, good experience on defense. Should be “OK,'' Faiman said, if a quarterback develops.

Columbus (3-6 in Class B)
Coach: Craig Williams, 5 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Dillon Loschen, RB-LB, 6-0, 195; Michael Griffith, L, 5-11, 215; Spencer Moore, OL, 6-2, 250; Mike Medlar, L, 6-4, 255; Andrew Timm, WR-DB, 6-2, 175; Cody Liss, WR-DB, 5-10, 180; Zach Tierney, NG, 6-0, 240; Drew Gay, QB-SS, 5-11, 195; Gustavo Olvera, RB-LB, 5-7, 190. Juniors: Jake Ek, QB-LB, 5-7, 150; Jose Leon, DL, 6-3, 245.
Outlook: Discoverers will feel the graduation of some good skill players. A good core group of lineman will ease the return to Class A. Williams said his team must do better in controlling the pace of the game and improving turnover numbers.

Fremont (1-8)
Coach; Kevin Meyer, 12 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Braxton Voss, WR-DB, 6-2, 190; Jace Dredge, TE-DE, 6-0, 190; Ryan Thayer, OT-LB, 5-9, 190; Zach Anderson, C-DT, 6-3, 270; Shane Buresh, FB-LB, 5-10, 180. Junior: Roger Brohimer, RB-OLB, 6-1, 180.
Outlook: Last year's injury-ravaged season gave playing time to younger players.

Grand Island (7-4)
Coach: Jeff Tomlin, 8 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Adam Werner, QB, 6-1, 180; Josh Wheeler, C-LB, 5-11, 220; Nolan Kawata, RB-DB, 5-9, 180; Cory Foland, RB-DB, 5-8, 175.
Outlook: Usually the Islanders' defense starts out ahead of the offense, but not this year. A total rebuilding of their 4-2-5 look is taking place. Werner and most of last year's skill people return, along with all of the key special-teams players. Building the lines, Tomlin said, is the key.

Kearney (4-5)
Coach: Brandon Cool, 10 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Taylor Fish, QB, 5-9, 180; Zach Maloley, RB-DE, 6-1, 200; Tre Young, WR-LB, 5-9, 175; Tyler Shields, WR-DE, 6-3, 200. Junior: Spencer Lindsay, WR-DB, 5-9, 185.
Outlook: Cool said seniors are good leaders, but depth must come from younger classes.

Lincoln East (2-7)
Coach: John Gingery, 13 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Bryce Bostwick, QB-S, 5-11, 195; Colton Wolinski, TE-DE, 6-4, 215; Connor Cullighan, TE-DE, 6-3, 215. Junior: Jared Nelson, LB, 6-0, 210.
Outlook: The Spartans are young, but Gingery likes his quarterback.

Lincoln High (2-7)
Coach: Mike Fultz
Returning starters—Seniors: Bryan Adams, Dillon Bruggeman, Josh Hesson, Sam Larson, Nathanial Matz, Jared Sapp, Jack Wilson. Juniors: Say'von Miller, Jesse Pickett, Dagan Worton.
Outlook: None provided.

Lincoln North Star
Coach: Mark Waller, 7 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Brandon Krause, WR-LB, 6-0, 170; Tanner Paxton, T, 6-3, 330; Alex Romero, RB-LB, 5-10, 190; Mark Rodriguez, L, 6-1, 230; Creighton Morris, TE, 6-3, 215; Casey Molifua, G-DE, 6-0, 225.
Outlook: Should be in contention for a playoff berth.

Lincoln Northeast (4-6)
Coach: Justin Smith, 2 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Corin Lee, TE, 6-1, 210; Will Sailors, L, 6-4, 270; Chaz Ginger, G-DE, 6-2, 220; Mitch Peppmuller, C, 6-4, 275; Dillon Gushard, FB-LB, 6-0, 185; J.D. Peterson, WB, 5-6, 150; Derek Hoodjer, QB-SE, 6-3, 190; Clayton Paulson, NG, 5-9, 220; Tim Diaz, LB, 6-1, 180; Chase Drews, LB, 5-10, 170; Tut Kaleich, DB, 6-0, 170. Junior: Colby McPike, DE, 6-0, 180.
Outlook: Good experience up front to block for Hoodjer at quarterback. Defense had its moments last year.

Lincoln Southeast (9-2)
Coach: John Larsen, 4 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Derrius Vick, QB-DB, 67-3, 190; David Sutton, TE-DE, 6-4, 245; Broderick Boehm, FB-LB, 5-11, 195; Adam Cheloha, FB-LB, 5-9, 180; Tyler Ford, L, 6-3, 240; Derek Shouse, WR, 6-2, 190; Will Herman, DB, 6-0, 175; Tyson Youngquist, DB, 5-1, 180. Junior: Robbie LaFour, L, 5-9, 245.
Outlook: A one-year wonder? The Knights hope this season shows that's not the case. With Vick at the helm, the offense has good depth and ability but needs a workhorse to step up at running back. Team speed is better, Larsen said, and the success of lower-level teams the past two years should help with confidence.

Lincoln Southwest (7-5)
Coach: Mark King, 8 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Dylan Heath, TE-DE, 6-5, 215; Zach Martin, L, 6-0, 275; Nakeem Evans, OLB, 6-2, 205; Austin Tompkins, FS, 6-1, 180. Junior: Tay Bender, QB-DB, 6-2, 195.
Outlook: He's one of those veterans on defense, but Bender's load at cornerback probably gets lightened. The junior steps in at quarterback and will punt and kick as well. One of his top protectors is three-year offensive lineman Martin, who made 43 tackles as a junior.

Millard North (4-6)
Coach: Fred Petito, 27 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Damon Parker, L, 6-3, 295; Ryan Wheeler, L, 6-5, 255; Mark Pfeifer, C, 6-1, 295; Kyle Erickson, QB, 6-0, 205; Jake Bergmier, RB, 5-11, 190; Nick Bellus, RB, 5-9, 185; Landon Arnold, OG, 6-0, 240; Ben Jansen, LB, 6-1, 215; Devin Bass, CB, 5-11, 180; Josh Couch, SS, 6-1, 190; Cole Fisher, FS, 6-3, 205; Brandon Aldy, LB, 6-0, 190. Junior: Chris Bailey, FB, 6-0, 220.
Outlook: After two subpar seasons by their standards, the Mustangs look to return to prominence. No one in the preseason Top 10 has more returning starters. Erickson returns at quarterback in the wingbone, which has big boys up front. Iowa commitment Fisher should add to his highlight tape at free safety.

Millard South (13-0)
Coach: Andy Means, 7 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Quentin Urban, QB-RB-LB, 5-10, 185; Tré Sacks, RB-DE, 5-5, 180; Christian Spaccarotella, L, 6-3, 270; Sheldon Garcia, TE-LB, 6-1, 220; Jordan Wisdom, OL-DE, 6-0, 250; Nick Ragan, WR-FS, 6-0, 175; Eddie Collins, RB-DB, 5-7, 160.
Outlook: How good the defending state champion's offensive line becomes may tell the story for the Patriots' hopes of repeating. No question their team speed is good, with mighty-mite Sacks at running back and All-Nebraska Urban shifting from running back to take snaps at quarterback. Urban, at linebacker, is among the returners on defense.

Millard West (10-3)
Coach: Kirk Peterson, 7 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Brandon Yost, DT, 6-1, 250; Caleb Heussner, TE, 6-2, 205; Devin Reeves, RB, 5-9, 205; Tom Enke, DT, 6-1, 225; Zach Leinbaugh, FS, 5-9, 175; Zach Whitham, QB, 6-3, 215.
Outlook: Looks like a typical year of plugging seniors into the offensive and defensive lines for the Wildcats, who seek to be in the state finals for a third consecutive year. At least the D-line has three-year starter Yost at tackle. The Zachs are back, too, Whitham at quarterback and Leinbaugh at free safety. “We need to develop depth for us to be a player,”
Peterson said.

Norfolk (7-4)
Coach: Tom Olson, 12 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Jordan Hawkins, LB, 6-0, 195; Keith Fowler, C, 6-0, 240; Austin Gray, T, 6-1, 250; Nathan Renter, G, 5-6, 200; Elliott Koerting, WR, 6-0, 170.
Outlook: About all that's left from last year is the majority of the Panthers' offensive line. Koerting and probable quarterback Garrett Johnson will be playmakers. Depth and inexperience will be issues on defense and the offensive backfield.

North Platte (2-7)
Coach: Bernie Madison, 2 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Justin Kemper, QB, 6-3, 2-5; Robbie Kosmacek, WR-CB, 5-9, 155; Hunter King, OG-DE, 5-11, 225; Hadley Golden, WR, 5-10, 170; Taylor Williams, TE-OLB, 6-0, 175; John Bianco, OLB, 6-0, 170; Shawn Engbrehct, DT, 5-11, 200; Jordan Krizek, LB, 6-0, 185. Junior: Mitch Alexander, LB, 5-10, 190.
Outlook: A year in Madison's system will help the Bulldogs, who are down in numbers.

Omaha Benson (4-6)
Coach: Adam Heuertz, 3 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Cleo Miller, RB, 5-9, 190; Kali Louis, CB, 5-7, 165; LaQuan Cribbs, HB-DE, 6-0, 290; Martel White, WR-FS, 5-7, 165; Paul Morrow, LB, 5-10, 1 60; Shakeil Channel, TE-LB, 6-2, 175; Jerrell Moore, WR, 6-3, 165; Jon Ray, LG, 5-8, 230; Jamaal Cotton, T, 6-0, 225; Perry Bennett, NG, 6-0, 330. Juniors: Courtney Collins, QB, 6-1, 185; Charon Thompson, LB, 6-0, 190; James Ailes, LB, 5-10, 210.
Outlook: Bunnies gained experience at the skill positions in returning to the playoffs in 2009. They could start three sophomores on the O-line. Speed galore in the backfield. Nine starters return on a much improved and fast defense.

Omaha Bryan (1-8)
Coach: Eric Hand, new
No report.

Omaha Burke (6-3)
Coach: Paul Limongi, 5 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Jimmie Forsythe, QB, 6-0, 185; Steve Swanson, TE, 6-2, 185; Jordan Nelson, RB, 5-9, 170; Jake Mullert, C, 5-10, 210; Josh Tate, G, 5-10, 215; Nate Kroupa, ILB, 6-0, 215; Dillon Plath, DB, 5-10, 165; Taylor Hopkins, DB, 5-10, 170; Devin Fleming, OLB, 6-0, 170. Juniors: James Anderson, T, 6-5, 270; D.J. Avant, OLB, 5-11, 185.
Outlook: Forsythe is the Metro Conference's most proven quarterback entering his third and final season. But his supporting cast at the skill positions is largely new, especially at receiver. Three offensive line starters return, but there is none on the interior of the defensive front.

Omaha Central (4-6)
Coach: Jay Ball, 5 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Ted Lampkin, WR-CB, 5-9, 165; Calvin McCoy, WR-CB, 5-8, 160; Keenan Williams, RB-SS, 5-10, 190; JeVaun Brown, RB-CB, 5-9, 155; Paulino Gomez, RB-LB, 6-2, 190; Ryan Washington, FB-LB, 6-1, 200; Eddie Vinson, Te-DE, 6-1, 210. Juniors: Joe Benes, G-NG, 6-0, 245; Darian Barrientos Jackson, Fl-CB, 6-1, 190; Will Burgess, QB, 6-0, 175.
Outlook: Since winning state in 2007, the Eagles haven't been able to keep their top players on the field because of injuries. Most of their returners are skill players on offense and cover guys on defense. Benes is the only returning interior lineman on either side of the ball.

Omaha Creighton Prep (7-3)
Coach: Tom Jaworski, 39 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Pat Jimerson, K, 5-9, 160; Mastt McLeay, FS, 6-2, 185; Richard Wynne, CB, 5-9, 175; Chase Dudzinski, Fl-CB, 5-11, 180; Jon Hall, G, 6-1, 220; Lucas Mickles, G-DL, 6-0, 280; Glen Manninga, OT, 6-3, 255.
Outlook: Can the Junior Jays send Jaworski out with a 10th state title? He expects his final team to contend, with most of its experience found in the defensive secondary and the skill positions. Either McLeay or Derek Petrick will be the quarterback, and Wynne will get many more carries at running back. Three offensive linemen are back.

Omaha North (7-3)
Coach: Larry Martin, 10 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Josh Bagby, OL; Cyler Childs, OL; Travis Green, WR-DB; Bobby Broom, OL; Larvis Jones, WR-DB.
Outlook: An all-new backfield always is a concern, but Viking coach Larry Martin likes what he saw on last year's lower-level units. Defense remains a mainstay, although most of the front seven in the 5-2 alignment will be new starters.

Omaha Northwest (0-9)
Coach: Damon Benning, 2 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Tyler Johnson, FB-LB, 5-10, 220; Nate Martig, OLB, 6-10, 190; Dijon Ross, L, 6-0, 250. Juniors: D'ontea Johnson, CB, 6-1, 165; Travis McCluskie, WR-SS, 6-1, 180; Elijah Smith, RB-FS, 5-11, 180.
Outlook: Huskies seek a turnaround in fortunes by going young. Eleven non-seniors could start, including sophomore Nick Lundeen at quarterback.

Omaha South (1-8)
Coach: Kevin O'Donnell, new
Returning starters—Seniors: Max Douglas, TE-LB, 6-0, 190; Kariah Goynes, DL, 6-0, 180. Juniors: Amos Gray, L, 6-0, 175; Bob Mulligan, L, 5-8, 175; Tyler Davis, L-DE, 6-0, 200; Geronimo Ramirez, QB-DB, 5-11, 170; Jordan Hendrickson, FB-LB, 6-0, 210; Savon Caraballo, RB-DB, 5-11, 175; Devin Clark, LB, 5-6, 165.
Outlook: O'Donnell hopes for improvement with 15 returning starters. Not much size.

Omaha Westside (1-8)
Coach: Brett Froendt, 2 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Zach Norman, RB, 5-10, 205; Tiras Bolton, HB, 5-10, 180; Tevin Griffin, N-FB, 6-0, 230; Nate Skold, OT, 6-8, 270; Alex Thompson, OG, 6-1, 265; Brent Learch, DE, 6-2, 210; Steve Ferrarini, WR, 6-2, 185; Zach Adler, DE, 6-2, 220; Mateen Sharif, L, 5-8, 185; Jake Baumann, FB, 5-10, 185. Juniors: Cameron Morgan, QBm 5-10, 180; Alex Van Lent, DB, 6-1, 175; Jack Sortino, LB, 5-11, 185; Brandon Bruggeman, CB, 5-8, 165; Dan Hamilton, K, 5-9, 180; Michael Finocchiaro, P, 5-8, 185.
Outlook: Strong at the skill positions. Need to develop linemen to return to the playoffs.

Papillion-La Vista (8-3)
Coach: Jeff Govier, 4 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Hayden Gowan, L, 6-2, 230; Shane Wright, RB-LB, 5-11, 205; Max Plumb, DE, 6-1, 210; DeVaughn Owsley, WR-FS, 6-0, 180.
Outlook: The Monarchs lost a lot of experience and playmakers, especially on offense, but Govier hopes a few returners on defense can make enough plays while the youth on offense catches up.

Papillion-La Vista South (3-6)
Coach: Mark Fritch, 8 years
Returning starters—Seniors: Jack Hug, L, 6-1, 270; Tyler Goldsberry, WR-DB, 6-1, 170; Hank Katonek, WR-LBb, 6-1, 190; Jon Hawkins, RB-DB, 5-9, 170; Brandon Buskirk, LB, 6-2, 2155; Zach Shull, LB, 6-1, 200; Dennie Williams, RB-DB, 5-7, 160. Juniors: Dalton Martier, LB, 5-11, 190; Ty Smith, LB, 5-8, 190.
Outlook: The Titans will rely on skill people as their lines lack experience and size.

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