LINCOLN, Neb. — Waverly rode their workhorse to a state championship on Monday night.

Senior running back Nathan Axmann rushed for 277 yards and three touchdowns on 41 carries to lead the Vikings past Gretna East 42-27 in the Class B state final.

Gretna East cut the lead to seven with just over two minutes to play, but Waverly slammed the door shut with a 53-yard run by Axmann with 1:53 remaining.

Junior quarterback Brockston Temply passed for 138 yards and two touchdowns for the Vikings.

Gretna East junior quarterback Chase Grow threw for 255 yards and four touchdowns in the defeat. Connor Sams rushed for 111 yards while Caden Annis led the Griffins with 113 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

The victory is the second state title in school history for Waverly. The first came in 1980.

GRETNA EAST (11-2) 7 7 7 6- 27

WAVERLY (13-0) 7 21 0 14 - 42