Omaha Burke won its first ever Class A state title in program history against Grand Island 24-20 inside Memorial Stadium on Monday night.
The Bulldogs had been to the state title game three times in its program history, and lost every time. This time was different as Burke came back from behind to win the title.
Burke just never seemed to get it going early, as the offense sputtered throughout the first half against a staunch Grand Island defensive effort. They trailed 14-3 going into halftime.
It seemed Burke would changed the momentum in the third quarter after recovering a fumbled Grand Island punt on GI's five yard line. However even with great field position, a missed chip shot field goal attempt ended the drive. But then the team showed resolve.
The defense got a quick stop and then on the next drive Tyler Chadwick found Xavier Watts for a 62 yard touchdown. That seemed to jolt the Bulldogs offense. On Burke's next possession Chadwick found Watts again, this time for a 37 yard touchdown and then to Watts for a two point conversion to give Burke a 17-14 lead.
It seemed Burke wouldn't give up the lead unless it beat itself. Then a botched snap on a fourth and one play inside GI territory with 9:29 to go gave GI the ball and momentum. The Islanders marched down the field to take a 20-17 lead.
Burke responded though on the very next drive. James Burks finished off a nine play, 71 yard drive with a seven yard rushing touchdown to make it 24-20. He finished the game with 210 yards on 36 carries and a touchdown.
Grand Island had a chance to drive down the field and retake the lead, but Terrell Evans came up with an interception that gave Burke the ball. The Bulldogs ran out the clock to win the game.
