Dear Football Mom

The semifinals are tonight. One of the greatest nights in Nebraska high school sports. A time to soak in all the lessons. And take one more picture.

Author

Tony Chapman
November 14, 2025

Ord quarterback Jordan Williams runs through the Doniphan-Trumbull defense during the Chants 63-30 win in the opening round of the Class C-2 playoffs. (For Harvest Sports / Jeremy Vauble, JT Side Shots)

Semifinal Night | November 14, 2025

Dear Football Mom:

While I know the state finals are still upon us, I believe tonight is the best night of football in your son’s life. The final hometown game. The cars around the field. You name it.

Yes, it may end. But, what your son has done already and learned from playing football with their teammates and coaches has set them up for a good life. A wonderful life.

See, they have already won. The friendships they have made and the friendships your family has made are now there forever. I am convinced there is no teacher like football.

Yes, football.

It taught him blocking and tackling, sure. But what about sacrifice and hard work? He can take that to the big city or bring it back home to the farm. It taught you how to cheer for his brothers, how to get an awful grass stain out of white pants, and to love him in ways you never thought possible.

So tonight when you bundle up (or not), remember that little guy you chased around the yard who dreamed of this game even though he didn’t know it. Sometime today, text him and tell him to play his guts out.

But, also help him to know that the result won’t matter in 20 days and definitely not 20 years. Because, see, someday he’ll come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas — with a family of his own — and you’ll talk about this game, this night, this season.

And how the game of football — and the lessons he learned playing it — shaped him forever in ways a mom and dad never could.

Finally, tell him you love him and you are proud of him. And when it’s over, take a picture. It might be his favorite one yet.

Sincerely,

A Football Son

Gretna East’s Chase Grow is off to the races against Omaha Skutt as the Griffins earned their first state semifinal appearance. (Harvest Sports / Andrew Placke)

Grand Island Central Catholic quarterback Grayson Sack runs the ball against Archbishop Bergan on Friday night. Sack ran for 138 yards and the Crusaders advanced to tonight’s semifinals with a 31-14 win. (For Harvest Sports / Terry Douglass)

Lakeview running back Brandon DeAnda looks for running room during a regular season game against Scotus Central Catholic. The Vikings host Sidney in tonight’s semifinals. (Harvest Sports / Dante Boelhower)

Waverly’s Nathan Axmann powers through the Seward defense during the second week of the regular season. The Vikings topped Seward in overtime last week in the quarterfinals. (Harvest Sports / Andrew Placke)

“Discipline, drive, and dedication. Competitive spirit. A commitment to constant improvement. These qualities make great athletes and coaches. They also make great financial advisors. Northwestern Mutual advisors educate clients to make important decisions to live differently and achieve their goals of financial security. Learn more about joining our team. Karges Financial Group and the Great Plains District are proud supporters of Nebraska high school athletics.