On Friday September 2nd, 2022, Lincoln East varsity football team buckled up for a classic rivalry matchup against the Southeast Knights at Seacrest Field. Despite the loss of influential seniors and a young East team, the Spartans were looking for a repeat of last year’s win.

After a tough loss to Kearney the previous week, East was looking for revenge. In the first half, Southeast found the end zone twice before East, making the score 14-0 going into halftime. The Knights controlled most of the momentum in the first half, with interceptions and a fumble aiding their way. Despite the quiet first half, the Spartans came out ready to fight in the second, eventually scoring three touchdowns, all by quarterback Jeter Worthley. A crucial interception by senior Connor Shelton shifted the momentum, and fumble recoveries late in the 4th quarter by Will Potratz and Treyson Bott sealed the deal for the Spartans.

“We played as a team [and] like a family,” Shelton said. “We got our offense and defense both rolling, and everything was good.”

The final results of the much anticipated matchup fell in the Spartans favor by one touchdown, 21-14. Jeter Worthley, sophomore quarterback, earned player of the game honors from head coach John Gingery.

“He’s a baby; he’s only going to get better,” Gingery said. “He’s learned the offense, and he’s just now starting to take charge of things.”

Worthley, a Michigan baseball commit, is new to the quarterback position and the varsity level. After uncertainty in the quarterback position the previous week against Kearney, Worthley owns the role continuing forward. Taking charge in the second half and trusting his offense and defense to do their job, Worthley completed 17 of 31 passes for 206 yards throughout the game.

“This team means everything to me, [and] I love this team to death,” Worthley said. “I can’t wait to do the next 7 games with them, and hope for the playoffs.”