Lincoln East tops Knights in regular season finale, clinches playoff berth

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — It was a win-or-go-home situation for the Spartans Friday night.

Lincoln East faced off against Lincoln Southeast at Seacrest Field for a chance to make the playoffs.

Both offenses were stagnant early on due to some ugly weather across the Capital City.

But with 5 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Lincoln East running back Kyle Campbell scored a touchdown to put the Spartans up 7-0.

As time expired in the first half, Spartan quarterback Turner Wilkie scrambled for a last-second score.

Lincoln East led 14-0 at the break.

But the Knights would show some life late in the third quarter.

Southeast’s QB Gavin Semm connected with North Dakota State commit Caden Ward for their first touchdown of the night with 1:38 left in the third quarter.

Then, a significant punt return for Lincoln Southeast set them up with a 1st and goal.

Brecken Bokowski scored the Knights’ only rushing touchdown of the night, tying the game up at 14 with 11:55 remaining in the fourth quarter.

But, Sparty would respond.

Lincoln East scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Huxton Katt scored both of them on the ground.

The Spartans would go on to win 27-14, extending their season for another week.

Head Coach John Gingery said this team has a lot of heart.

“We told the kids all week it was win or go home. They rose to the challenge, took it seriously and accomplished the goal we set for,” said Gingery.