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Xavier Watts, the Journal Star athlete of the year, pledges to play football for Notre Dame

Watts, the Lincoln Journal Star boys high school athlete of the year, was a major reason why Burke went 13-0 last season and won its first Class A state title. He caught 67 passes for 1,093 yards and 14 touchdowns, but was also a factor defensively with 58 tackles (five for loss) and five interceptions from his safety position.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was at his best when the game was on the line in the state championship game, helping Burke overcome an 11-point halftime deficit against Grand Island with touchdown receptions of 62 and 37 yards in the third quarter.