BOYS TOWN — Ashland-Greenwood brought more experience in close games than Boys Town.
Both teams left Friday night with more confidence than they had before.
No. 2 Ashland-Greenwood, with only a loss to No. 1 Wahoo, held off a late rally by the No. 9 Cowboys for a 23-21 win that could decide the district title and automatic playoff berth.
“This team, nothing fazes them," Bluejay coach Ryan Thompson said. “All we ask is 48 minutes, and they gave it tonight. We said we couldn’t have 47:59.â€
With senior Darien Whitaker in the backfield, any play can go the distance for Boys Town.
The Jays gave up two fourth-quarter touchdown passes by Nyree Poteet-Brown to LaDainian Blackwell two minutes apart but held Boys Town on downs at their 40 with 1:34 left.
“It wasn't what we wanted to do coming into the game offensively," said Jays quarterback/kicker Derek Tonjes, who accounted for all of his team’s points with two touchdown passes to Cal Kissinger, a rushing touchdown, a field goal and two extra points.
“The defense held up greatly. We're going to continue to get better each and every single week, and hopefully in mid-October, November, we can be the best we can be.â€
Ashland held Whitaker, a major-college prospectÌýwho last game scored five touchdowns in the first 15 minutes, to 33 yards on 12 carries with a short run for a touchdown in the second quarter. He caught one pass for 5 yards and the Jays kicked away from him.
Coaches from South Florida and Kansas State were at the game watching him.
“He, on film, he gives you nightmares," Thompson said. “He’s going to be a good player. He is a good player. Our guys executed our game plan. You contain him. That’s all you can do with him.â€
There were many positives to take away for Boys Town coach Chris Nizzi after his team had gone through its strongest test after a 5-0 start.
“It was a playoff atmosphere. They’re probably going to be district champs, right? They're really good," Nizzi said. “There was a lot of hype, a wonderful night and exciting game.
“All that energy that comes with a game like this, a lot of our kids aren't used to. It was great experience for us, and that's what our kids heard at the end of the game. Maybe if we're fortunate enough to win some more games and make it to the playoffs, this game will pay off for us.â€
Next Friday
Elkhorn South vs. Omaha Westside: Best remaining game of the season in Class A. It’s the rematch of the 2023 state final that the Warriors won 56-0.
Kearney vs. Millard North: Position week in Class A includes this key district matchup.
Omaha Skutt vs. Elkhorn North: The round-robin that includes No. 1 Bennington begins.
Columbus Lakeview vs. Columbus Scotus: City tussle intensifies with both teams eyeing the playoffs.
Photos: Boys Town football hosts Ashland-Greenwood