Down 14, Lincoln East comes back to win in double overtime

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln East Spartans secured a 31-28 double overtime victory Friday over the Lincoln Southeast Knights.

After a defensive showcase in the first quarter, the Knights found the end zone in the second quarter thanks to goal line sneak by quarterback Owen Baxter.

Scoring stopped for the rest of the half as the Knights carried their 7-0 lead into halftime.

Midway through the third quarter, the Knights extended their lead thanks to a passing touchdown from Baxter to wide receiver Dallas Washington.

With a few minutes remaining in the third quarter, Spartans QB Jeter Worthley connected with wide receiver Owen Laessig for a touchdown, breaking the shutout.

In the fourth quarter, the Spartan defense slowed down a Knights drive, giving them the ball back.

The Spartans took advantage of the opportunity as Worthley found running back Dash Bauman on 3rd and 15 for a touchdown to tie the game at 14.

On the very next Southeast possession, Baxter threw an untimely interception into the arms of defensive back Noah Burhop, placing the Spartans inside the Knights’ 20-yard line.

Bauman found the end zone again, this time on the ground, to give East its first lead of the game, 21-14.

But the Knights would not quit.

With just a few minutes left in regulation, running back Kaden Logan received the ball from Baxter and chucked it almost 40 yards downfield into the arms of wide receiver Nate Appleget, who was tackled inside the East redzone.

On the very next play, running back Cash Buettenback found the end zone on a goal-line score, tying the game at 21 and sending it to overtime.

The Spartans won the coin toss and quickly scored a rushing touchdown to reclaim the lead.

The Knights immediately responded with a passing touchdown from Baxter to wide receiver Caden Ward to tie the game up again.

In the second overtime, the Knights started with the ball at the East 10-yard line but couldn’t convert and missed a field goal to give the Spartans one last chance to win.

After a few plays, the Spartans set up their kicker Colin Nehe, who knocked the ball through the uprights, securing the comeback victory for East.

Next week, the Spartans will look for their second win of the season at home against Lincoln Southwest.

The Knights return to their home field for a game with Papillion La Vista.