Nathan Axmann, Waverly squeak by Norris in first round of Class B playoffs

WAVERLY, Neb. (KLKN) – The Waverly Vikings opened up their playoff run at home on Friday, squeaking by Norris 17-16 at Viking Stadium.

Norris started this one off red-hot, getting the ball first and driving straight down the field. The drive ended in a 32-yard field goal by Evan Greenfield to make the score 3-0 Titans.

The Titans got the ball back, and quarterback Jarrett Behrends found Chris Garner Jr. for a 76-yard touchdown, giving the Titans a 10-0 lead after the first quarter.

Norris’ defense even had some early momentum, getting a stop on fourth-and-goal on the 1-yard line to start the second quarter.

But playoff football has a funny way of mixing things up. On the very next play, Behrends fumbled the snap in the end zone, and the ball was knocked out the back for a safety, making the score 10-2.

The Vikings used that momentum to drive all the way down the field and get a rushing touchdown before halftime. A 2-point conversion tied the game at 10 at the break.

Waverly came out in the second half with some firepower. On their very first drive, running back Nathan Axmann led the Vikings down the field in a hurry.

Axmann ran it in from 5 yards out to give the Vikings a 17-10 lead.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Titans’ offense finally came back to life. Behrends found Dallas Washington for a huge touchdown with 2:30 left to play.

But a bad snap on the extra point try left them short on the scoreboard, 17-16.

An interception from Zach McElhose sealed the game for the Vikings, sending them to the Class B quarterfinals.

Nathan Axmann led the Vikings with 212 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 carries.

The Vikings (8-2) will take on Omaha Skutt Catholic next week.