Lincoln, NE. - Over 3,000 fans at Millard South were ready for a hotly contested game Thursday night. Millard North, defending state champions, against the ever building and up and coming East High Spartans. Millard North filled up their side of the stands with a large student body and rock solid school spirit. In fact, it was probably that air of confidence and spirit that carried Millard North to a 23-7 victory over the Spartans. But, the 0-2 Mustangs knew that the blue from the West had come to play. East High showed some spirit of their own by loading up a student bus and headed for Millard.

On Millard North's first possession the Spartans came out to play and shutdown the Mustangs. On the second possession however, the Mustangs drove 74 yards to open up a 7-0 lead with Jeff Tarpinian running the last 14 yards for the score. In the second quarter Tarpinian fumbled on the East 43 yard line and Jim Epke wasted little time getting the game tied at 7. Epke ran on runs of 26 and 13 yards before Brady Beran took the ball in from the Mustang 4. At halftime the Spartans were hanging with the historic program on their turf 7-7.

For years, the first opponent possession of the second half have always been problems for the Spartans and on this day was no exception. Millard North raced the kickoff back 70 yards only to stall out for a 38 yard field goal and the lead. But, East kept hanging around waiting for their opportunity and that happened when East recovered a fumble and marched down to the 9 yard line after an Epke to Judd Stutzman pass covering 18 yards. East punched the ball to the three yard before disaster arrived. East was in a legal unbalanced line and was called for the infraction. That of course stalled the drive and East had to settle for a game tying field goal. The ball sailed to the left and before East could pick up the peaces Millard North put up two scoring drives on them to finish off the Spartans 23-7.

COMMENTARY:

What could of been with a break, a little fourth quarter energy, and better concentration , eliminating the turnovers, the Spartans could have corraled the Mustangs. Amusing how the papers called the game a trounce. The Spartans never give up and they are so ever close to completing a game and turning some heads. The team slogan about In or Out is a good one and an athlete needs to think hard about that statement. Am I working as hard as I can to get on the field; have I trained as hard as I can; have I concentrated at all times; do I make the best of a worst situtation. The next few weeks will determine if they are In or Out. City championships are up for grabs, state berths are up for grabs. The season is not over by any stretch. Shake it off and let's get after Southeasst.