The Central football program, currently 1-2, is looking to become a dominant team in Nebraska, starting this season. The addition of a powerhouse wide receiver and a multi-talented freshman are helping to accomplish that goal, despite a major loss of a transfer and a robust group of seniors that won’t be playing after this season.
Expectations for the Eagles this season were strong after a 2023 season that was widely viewed by coaches and players as a transitional building year because of an entirely new coaching staff. Despite the transition, the Eagles finished 4-5, outscoring their opponents 322-162, and set high expectations for this season.
“Last year with new coaching staff was the foundation, but this year, the chemistry is a lot tighter, especially with the senior leadership,” senior tight end and defensive end Ike Ackerman said.
Ackerman, who is committed to play football at Northwest Missouri State University next year, believes this year is a pivotal turning point.
“We’re telling them [younger players] of our principles and setting the culture,” he said.
His goal to make Central a consistently successful team, giving examples of schools like Elkhorn South, is a sentiment echoed by assistant coach Nick Webster.
“Give us a couple of years and you’re going to see us be a powerhouse,” Webster said.
The team already has a strong start, with returning quarterback BJ Newsome not being a senior until next season. Newsome managed to complete 63% of his passes in the 2023 season, one of the strongest rates in the state.
Freshman quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back Yasir Grixby has caught the attention of coaches, teammates and fans alike. His strong football IQ, versatility and quick ability to call plays has made him a player to watch for the future.
“It’s reassuring that the future of Central is in bright hands like Yasir’s,” Ackerman said of the freshman, who still has plenty of seasons to become a leader in the state. Webster said football is in Grixby’s blood and will help him keep the team developing forward.
Success for Central hasn’t come without challenges, though. Star wide receiver DaShawn Prince chose to transfer to Millard South for his junior season after a strong 2023 at Central. That left the team with a question of who would fill the role.
That person has come to be senior JB Livingston, who is playing his first year of football for Central. Livingston has dominated the field with outstanding catches and forceful runs that are often over 30 yards. Coaches remarked that Livingston has been a fantastic addition to the team.
Adding to hope for the future, Central has the top sophomores in the state in defensive back Tory Pittman III and running back Kylonn Haynie. Both have explosive running abilities and can read the field. Their skills were on full display during the tough Bellevue West and the easier Omaha South game. They both have offers to play at Nebraska, with Pittman having offers to places like USC and Wisconsin as well.
“It’s good to see that younger success,” Ackerman said of the sophomores.
Despite the success, the Eagles face a significant challenge in their lack of specialization. Compared to other teams, many of Central’s players play both offense and defense, which can lead to fatigue late in games. This is because of the sheer level of athleticism shown in the players, as many of them are multi-sport athletes with skills that lead to success in all sports.
“I was tired as hell [against Bellevue West], but my team needs me so I can’t just say no,” Ackerman said.
He feels that while fatigue makes it more challenging to play, he likes that most people on the team can play both sides of the ball. Livingston said that he thinks fatigue, along with penalties, played a main role in the team’s Aug. 30 loss to Bellevue West.
“We just lost momentum after that first half, I think we just needed to reboot,” he said.
Now that they have had multiple games, it is likely that the team will learn how to handle fatigue better, he said.
Regardless of how the team performs, the culture-building that has taken place has been the most important, Webster said.
“These guys are all great teammates,” he said.
Ackerman said he hopes he can leave an impact on the younger and newer players, just like older players did with him in previous seasons. Livingston said he felt welcomed by the program and feels like it is a family.
Focusing on building culture and a positive atmosphere for players is a good goal for Ackerman this year when looking at how Central can win. John Eliot, a clinical associate professor in sports management at Texas A&M University, collected data in 2017 that showed that teams whose players identified team atmosphere as trusting and positive won far more than teams whose players did not identify their team atmosphere as such.
Ackerman and Webster believe the best way to look toward the future is by building an undeniably fierce culture that will lead to consistent success.
