Terry Douglass, Central Nebraska Today
GRAND ISLAND — Offensive struggles continued for Grand Island Friday night as the Islanders dropped their home opener 30-3 to Lincoln East at Memorial Stadium.
The Spartans (2-1) took advantage of a special teams turnover by Grand Island, setting up a 25-yard field goal by Kooper Wilkason with 6:11 left in the first quarter. Lincoln East extended its lead to 10-0 with 25 seconds remaining in the first when quarterback Turner Wilkie completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Sam Sutko.
Wilkie delivered his second scoring pass of the night with 7:21 left in the second quarter, finding Brecken Spencer for a 23-yard score. The point-after kick failed, leaving the Spartans with a 16-0 halftime lead.
A 16-yard TD run by Wilkie and a 1-yard plunge by Ryan Manning extended East’s lead to 30-0 with 1:21 left in the third quarter.
Grand Island (0-3) scored its first points of the season on a 40-yard field goal by Xelim Vincente with 8:23 to play. The Islanders’ defense forced four turnovers, including an interception by linebacker Dax Kirkland.
GISH will host Elkhorn South (3-0) next Friday. Lincoln East will play at Lincoln Southwest.
