Omaha Central waited since 2019 to play a football game after missing the 2020 season. What’s another 75 minutes? That’s how long the weather delay was at Seeman Stadium in Omaha. Central took on the visiting Columbus Discoverers on a warm night. The game wasn’t as close as the score indicated with Central taking the contest 45-28.
Here are my five thoughts on the game.
Hausmann Is Everywhere
Nebraska linebacker commit Ernest Hausmann was one of the best athletes on the field. He lined up everywhere for the Discoverers and rarely came off the field. He didn’t quite have his wind and seemed to tire on a hot night in Omaha. Hausmann made several tackles and scored a touchdown in the game. The Columbus star is going to be one heck of an athlete coming into inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud’s room.
Woods the Real Deal
It’s hard to believe but Friday night was my first-time seeing Missouri commit Deshawn Woods play in person. Woods has reshaped his body over the last two years. He’s a long and leaner tackle prospect with really good athleticism. Woods controlled the line of scrimmage all game, leading the way for the Eagles ground game. Omaha Central won the battle in the trenches during the game and Woods was a big reason why.
Game by Game
Coach Craig Williams told me at Columbus’ practice this summer that his team was breaking in a lot of new players. The tough start to the season meant they’d have to learn on the fly with some not having varsity experience. The team replaced 12 seniors that graduated last year getting hit hard on the lines. You’ll see this Columbus team get better game by game this season. Their best football is ahead of them during the 2021 season.
J’Dyn Bullion Arrives
The junior running back made his presence known in the season opener. It’s tough to miss him standing at 6-foot, 245 pounds. He’s an imposing running back. The Eagles saw him find the end zone three times in the game.
Six yard TD for J’Dyn Bullion for @OPSCHSFB. His third of the game. The Eagles missed the 2-pt conversion and they now lead 18-7 with 4:36 left in the 2Q. #nebpreps pic.twitter.com/UkaDMn124C
— Greg Smith (@GregSmithHV) August 28, 2021
Bullion was just all power during the game. He showed off quick feet at times making some nice cuts. The 2023 player will be one to watch in Class A this year.
Keep an Eye on Central
Omaha Central usually isn’t one of the typical powers in Class A football. The team has been on the rise so anticipation was high for this game. The team has a good blend of running and passing on offense with some big play ability. Jaylen Lloyd is a speedster on the outside that set up several Eagle touchdown drives.
The defense was stout for most of the night when the starters were still in the game. The one thing to watch is the kicking game. The Eagles started off shaky with extra points before hitting a few in a row. The team also had a tough time with kickoffs. That’s something to watch in closer games.
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
