Lincoln, Neb. – The Lincoln Northeast Rockets earned a winning start to the 2026 high‑school football season, beating the Lincoln East Spartans 20‑13 on Thursday night at Seacrest Field. The game, the first of the week‑one schedule, showcased a strong second‑half performance by Northeast that turned a 7‑0 early lead into a decisive victory.
First half: Rockets strike first
Midway through the second quarter, quarterback Zayne Scully connected with receiver Kaleb Poulsen for a touchdown pass, giving Northeast a 7‑0 advantage. The play highlighted the Rockets’ balanced attack and set the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Spartans rally before halftime
Lincoln East responded with a series of scores, adding 13 points before the break to take a 13‑7 lead. The Spartans’ offense showed resilience, but the Rockets remained within striking distance.
Second half: Rockets dominate
After the halftime intermission, Northeast seized control of the game. The Rockets scored two unanswered touchdowns, including a sustained drive that culminated in a short‑range rush into the end zone. A successful field goal later in the quarter extended the lead to 20‑13, a margin the Spartans could not overcome.
The defense stepped up as well, forcing several punts and limiting East’s offensive opportunities. By the final whistle, the Rockets had recorded a shutout in the second half, securing their first win of the season.
Other high‑school scores
- Waverly 42, Northwest 7
- Lincoln Northwest 55, Omaha Northwest 6
Both games were part of the same week‑one slate that kicked off the Nebraska high‑school football schedule. The results underscore a competitive start to the season for teams across the state.
Looking ahead
Lincoln Northeast will next travel to face a regional rival next Saturday, while Lincoln East aims to bounce back against a non‑conference opponent. Coaches from both schools praised the effort of their players and emphasized the importance of fundamentals as the season progresses.
Fans are encouraged to attend upcoming games at Seacrest Field and support their local teams. Community members can also follow live updates and scores on the school district’s athletics website.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
