The Omaha South Packers football team has been working hard and grinding for the upcoming season, setting goals for the 2026-27 season.
Team members also have unfinished business and are working harder than ever to prepare for Friday nights hope for a chance to make history.
South junior and safety Jack Wildrick shared some of his goals for the team heading into the upcoming season and his senior year.
“We want to win more games than we lose and take advantage of the schedule. Change the narrative,” he said.
Wildrick also shared some things he is working to improve next season.
“My tactical knowledge of the game and incorporating that into my skill set.”
When asked what loyalty means to him on the team, Wildrick said it “means sticking with the team through adversity. We had guys who transferred, quit or left.”
Wildrick also shared how he prepares before a game.
“I mentally lock in throughout the whole day at school, watch film, listen to music and get hyped with my teammates.”
Wildrick shared what excites him most about the upcoming season.
“The new opportunities, and we’re going to have teams we know we can beat. The team is coming through adversity with hard work and dedication.”
When asked what it truly means to wear an Omaha South jersey, Wildrick replied that “it means a lot because of the community we have and the background of the program. It makes us work harder because we have the amazing school environment behind the team.”
South junior and quarterback Jayden Fellows shared some of his goals and what he’s doing to get better next season and help lead the Omaha South Packers.
“Obviously winning games, getting better and building more as a team.”
Fellows shared some things he’s doing to improve for next season.
“Getting better, improving my leadership skills and leading this team to victory.”
As the quarterback of the team, Fellows said he handles pressure by trying to zone out “and focus on the task at hand.”
Fellows also shared how he prepares before a game.
“I try to zone out all distractions and lock in.”
When asked what excites Fellows most about the upcoming season, he said, “Being able to play as a team again and being able to beat teams we know we can beat.”
Fellows said he hopes students, staff and fans will say at the end of the season “that we surprised them and that they can see we’re definitely improving.”
Omaha South teacher and defensive coordinator Adam Wildrick also shared his expectations for the upcoming season.
“I expect every play to give 100%, 100% of the time. If we do that, then everything will fall into place.”
When asked what excites him heading into the season, Wildrick said, “This upcoming senior class will be the first that we’ve had since they were freshmen. I’m excited to see how they step up as leaders, on and off the field. I’m excited to see what their futures hold, on and off the field.”
Wildrick wants the team to be remembered as “the team that changed the narrative. I want people to see how hard the South Side works and, no matter the scores, how good this team is and how far they have progressed.”
Omaha South teacher and head coach Djuan Johnson also shared his expectations and goals for the team heading into the upcoming season.
“Keep the team healthy, focused and prepared to represent South Omaha to the best of their abilities. We have a group of seniors who have endured the toughest schedule in Class A, watched teammates walk out on them and listened to the negative comments. This senior class is resilient and mentally strong, bonded in brotherhood,” Johnson said.
Building on that point, Johnson shared what excites him most heading into the upcoming season.
“Watching these young men carve their footprint into South High athletics off the sweat equity they put in.”
When asked how he would describe the team in one word, Johnson replied: “GRIT. Greatness Resides in Tenacity.”
