I have been covering every Millard West game this year because of my commentating. I don't usually talk about high school sports but I wanted to talk about this, plus it will probably get read more. So yes, I think this is the first year since 2007 where they will win state. The defense is so unbelievably dominant. They allowed a very fast and high powered Millard South team to just 14 points. That paired with their offense is just too scary and too dominant I think to be stopped.
They have played games this year against a few top 10 teams. They started out with a nice 30-0 win against the Mustangs. I think a lot of people expected that, but it still showcased the defense. No matter who you're playing, it's still hard to hold a team to 0 points. Tristian Gomes was very good that game on the ground which showed he poses a threat as a passer and as a rusher. Ethan Vallencia, the fullback, also showed in that game and every other game how good of a runner he is. I said in the broadcast against North, but I think he had more yards after contact than he did regular yards which is insane.
The second game was a 24-7 win against the defending state champions Burke. Yes, Burke lost a lot of their D1 starters, but they're still the defending state champions and have always been good. Having said that though, this is the year I think Burke has been really vulnerable in a long time, so that just increases my thoughts of West winning state.
The next game was a nice win against Omaha North 30-13. I thought they could've won by more, but they still played well. That was the first game I really thought South Dakota State commit and Gomes' favorite target Dalys Beanum really got going. He caught a 66 yard touchdown pass which was the big highlight of the game.
After seeing the South game, that's what has pushed me on the Wildcat train. Since Burke isn't what it was last year, I thought and still think that South is their biggest challenge to win state. They won 25-14. Their defense was absolutely amazing with two turnovers and only two touchdowns allowed. Dalys Beanum and Dan Sullivan both had great looking touchdowns.
So yes, that's why I think Millard West will win state. Yes, call me biased because I go to West, or just look at the facts and see why they will. Their defense is absolutely stout. Their rush game is always good with Ethan and Dan. Their pass game can be dangerous with Tristian to Dalys. This is a complete, championship winning team. So watch out Nebraska, Millard West is coming for that trophy.
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