The Vikings celebrated a historic achievement last season, capping a 13‑0 run with a 42‑27 victory over Gretna East that secured the program’s first Class B championship in 45 years. The win sparked a wave of excitement across the community and set high expectations for the upcoming year.
A New Chapter on the Road
The 2026 schedule opens with a test on the road, as Waverly journeys to face Grand Island Northwest on August 29. The matchup will be the first glimpse of how the team adapts to the loss of several key contributors while trying to maintain its winning culture.
Nine starters from the championship squad return, providing a solid foundation on both sides of the ball. However, the roster will be missing All‑State running back Nathan Axmann and four of the five offensive linemen who helped pave the way for the ground game.
Coaches emphasize that the experience of the returning players should offset the gaps left by departing seniors. Emphasis has been placed on developing depth at running back and reinforcing the offensive line through younger talent and strategic adjustments.
The community remains optimistic, with fans eager to see whether the Vikings can translate their championship momentum into another dominant season. The road test at Grand Island Northwest will serve as an early indicator of the team’s resilience and adaptability.