Friday nights in Lincoln are different. You feel it in the air around 70th and A Street before you even see the stadium lights. For the Lincoln East Spartans, the 2025 season wasn't just another year of high school ball; it was a gritty, 11-game rollercoaster that kept the student section on edge until the final whistle blew in the playoffs.
If you were looking for the lincoln east football schedule earlier this year, you probably saw a slate of games that looked daunting on paper. Honestly, it was. From a brutal season opener against Elkhorn South to a snowy playoff exit against Creighton Prep, the Spartans' journey was a masterclass in Class A Nebraska football.
The 2025 Lincoln East Football Schedule and Results
The season kicked off with a reality check. On August 28, East traveled to Elkhorn South and took a tough 30-7 loss. It wasn't the start Coach John Gingery wanted, but it lit a fire.
The Spartans didn't mope. They came back home to Seacrest Field and absolutely dismantled North Platte 23-0. That win started a three-game tear where the defense looked like a brick wall. They shut down Grand Island on the road (30-3) and then gutted out a 20-0 win against Lincoln Southwest.
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Mid-Season Grinds and Homecoming Drama
By late September, people were starting to take notice. The Kearney game on September 26 was a defensive slugfest—East came out on top 17-10. But high school football has a way of humbling you quickly. A 42-14 loss to Millard North and a heartbreaking 28-21 Homecoming loss to Columbus in early October threatened to derail everything.
- Aug 28: @ Elkhorn South (L 7-30)
- Sep 5: vs North Platte (W 23-0)
- Sep 12: @ Grand Island (W 30-3)
- Sep 19: vs Lincoln Southwest (W 20-0)
- Sep 26: vs Kearney (W 17-10)
- Oct 3: @ Millard North (L 14-42)
- Oct 9: vs Columbus (L 21-28) - Homecoming
- Oct 17: @ Omaha Bryan (W 41-0)
- Oct 24: vs Lincoln Southeast (L 14-27)
- Oct 31: @ Omaha Central (W 24-10) - Playoffs Round 1
- Nov 7: @ Creighton Prep (L 6-14) - Playoffs Round 2
Who Stepped Up for the Spartans?
You can't talk about this schedule without talking about the kids who actually played the minutes. Turner Wilkie, the sophomore quarterback, really grew up this year. He threw for 10 touchdowns and ran for 5 more. He’s got that dual-threat capability that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.
Then there’s Huxton Katt. The junior running back was the engine of the offense, averaging over 43 yards a game on the ground. When East needed a first down on 3rd and short, everyone in the stadium knew #5 was getting the rock. On the defensive side, Will Manning was a heat-seeking missile at linebacker, leading the team with over 10 tackles per game.
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It wasn't all about the stars, though. The trenches were anchored by guys like Connor Dews and Sam Nabb. Seeing a 6'5", 295-pound senior like Dews pull on a sweep is terrifying if you're a defensive back.
The Seacrest Field Experience
If you've never been to a game at Seacrest Field, you're missing out. It’s located at 7400 A Street, right next to the school. The atmosphere is top-tier. For home games, the Spartans take the West side of the stadium.
Most people get confused about tickets. For the regular season, you usually grab them through the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) portal or at the gate. But once playoffs hit, the NSAA takes over, and prices usually bump up to about $7 for adults.
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Pro Tip: If you're heading to Seacrest, remember the clear bag policy. They are strict. Don't be the person walking back to their car five minutes before kickoff because your purse is too big.
Why This Season Mattered
The Spartans finished 7-4. On paper, that's "good." In reality, it was a massive step forward from the 5-5 record they posted the year before. They beat an Omaha Central team in the playoffs that many people picked to go to the semifinals.
The loss to Creighton Prep in the second round (14-6) stung. It was a close, ugly game played in late Nebraska autumn weather. But it proved that Lincoln East belongs in the conversation with the big Omaha schools.
Coach Gingery has been at the helm since 2010. He’s seen the highs and lows. This 2025 squad felt like the start of something sustainable. With Wilkie and Katt returning next year, the 2026 lincoln east football schedule is already being circled by fans.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: If you're looking toward the 2026 season, the schedules are typically finalized and released in late spring or early summer via the Heartland Athletic Conference website.
- Check the Roster: Keep an eye on the junior class. With players like Sam Sutko and Brecken Spencer coming back, the receiving corps will be among the fastest in the state.
- Support the Boosters: High school sports run on community. The Spartan Quarterback Club is the main hub for parent involvement and fundraising.
The 2025 season is in the books, but the foundation laid during those eleven games is going to be felt for a long time at East High.