High School Football Previews: Lincoln Southeast focusing on ‘short term’ goals in 2026

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The 2026 high school football season is right around the corner, as NSAA schools began fall practices on Monday.

The Lincoln Southeast Knights went 5-5 last fall, seeing their season come to a close in the first round of the playoffs.

“We want to obviously get better than last year,” senior quarterback Gavin Semm said Wednesday at Southeast High School’s practice. “We want to win some of those close matchups, then boost our playoff seeding.”

“Certainly not satisfied with that,” head coach Ryan Gottula said. “Did some good things last year but obviously some things we want to get better at as well. Got some guys with experience, you know, defensively on all three levels so we feel good about that. And a starting quarterback that’s returning so that’s always a good place to start on offense.”

Semm said something he likes the most about his team is the personnel they have on both sides of the ball.

“The diversity we have, especially on like the offense. We got some key pieces, we got some speedy receivers – bigger bodies too,” Semm said. “Defensively, I feel like we have some really good players. I mean, we got some young guys that are going to step up and I feel really confident in what they can do.”

Southeast is aiming to have a dynamic offense.

“Be ready to see some explosive plays, big plays and overcoming adversity as well,” Semm said.

Gottula said the team is focused on keeping goals ‘pretty short term’ this season.

“Right now, it’s Week 1, we want to get better every day,” Gottula said. “Week 1 is just about us getting better and focusing on us. You know, we want to prepare week-to-week and be 1-0 every week.”

The Knights begin their 2026 season at home on Friday, Aug. 28 against Millard West. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m.