For the first time since 1983, East’s football team made it into the Semi-finals of the Class A State Football Playoffs.  After wins of 24-21 and 27-24 over Lincoln Southeast and Omaha Burke, respectively, the Spartans found themselves in a matchup with top seeded Omaha North.  Although North is undefeated this year, the playoffs are where the unexpected happens.

East head coach John Gingery credits the team’s unity to making a run in this year’s playoffs.  “One of the biggest keys to success is everybody being on the same page,” explained Gingery.  “With everybody doing the same thing, it makes things a lot easier, the gives, the reads, everything becomes easier.”

The Spartans hade their hands full in the semis.  But a trip to Memorial Stadium was on the line.  The Spartans were certainly not counting themselves out.  Players such as defensive end Grady Greenwood were confident they could pull the upset.

“We blocked everybody out, blocked out the haters.  We all bought into a one track mind, and we all want to keep doing what we’re doing, and keep on winning,” said Greenwood.  

Although they went into the playoffs with the 12 seed, this team was certainly not playing like one.  They peaked at the right time and proved to be a top 4 team in Nebraska.