The Lincoln East Spartans opened up football season with an away battle against the Norfolk Panthers on Friday, August 25.

Early in the first quarter, the Spartans gave up a costly turnover that led to a Panther touchdown. Soon after the Spartans recovered a muffed punt in which they capitalized on the opportunity, and tied the game up by creating big holes for senior running back Alex Hrnicek to score.

Midway through the second quarter Hrnicek scored again from three yards out. Hrnicek finished with 113 yards on 25 carries.

With 13.4 seconds left in the first half Devin Beckner scored on the QB keeper. That led to a 21-7 lead for the Spartans heading into halftime.

With 3:45 left in the fourth quarter, the Panthers scored on a 61 yard touchdown catch by Zack James. Norfolk preceded to kick an onside kick, where they recovered the ball, giving them one last chance to tie the game. But the hero of the night was Blake Ingamells, as he came up with a huge interception on fourth and goal to stop Norfolk’s final attempt to tie the game.

The Spartans are 1-0 looking to keep the momentum going as they face off against Kearney on Thursday, August 31 at Seacrest Field.

The Lincoln East Spartan varsity volleyball team faced off against the Class B Seward Blue Jays on Saturday, August 26. East lost in straight sets 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 in their only preseason game this season.

Senior right side hitter Ana Thacker had nine kills and 17 digs to lead the Spartans, and sophomore middle blocker Atley Carey added seven kills and two  blocks.

The Spartans kick off the regular season at Bellevue West High School in a varsity invitational on Friday, September 1.