Football Preview: Lincoln Northeast

LINCOLN–(KFOR August 15)–For the third time in as many seasons, there will be another new head football coach on the sidelines for Lincoln Northeast.

The Rockets, who went 5-4 and just missed the playoffs, hired Dan Martin to take over the program, after Shane Zimmerman left in his only season at Northeast and return to Colorado for another coaching position.  Martin comes to Northeast, after spending time as a defensive coordinator at Kearney.

Martin told KFOR’s media partner, 10/11 Sports, the Rockets are eager to continue improving.

“I’m real excited about the little bit of talent we have,” Martin said.  “Guys are willing to work, they’re excited to work.”

With the loss of three players who transferred to Lincoln Southeast (Nick Halleen, Shadon Shannon and Keaton Beaudette), Northeast still has some talent and leadership that could help them in key games this season.

Lincoln Northeast Rockets

Head Coach: Dan Martin (1st year)

2018 Record: 5-4

Returning starters/letterwinners: Jayden Schrader, 6-0, 240, sr., OL; Kaleb Merrill, 5-7, 145, sr., WR; Anthony Gomez, 5-10, 240, sr., DL; Fanar Al Sloo, 5-9, 195, sr., DE; Jesston Howard, 5-9, 160, sr., WR/DB; Dominick Mendoza, 5-9, 150, sr., DB; Nick Dungan, 6-2, 270, sr., OL; Jeremiah Collier, 5-10, 180, jr., QB; Dawson Wright, 5-7, 160, sr., DB; Wyatt Morgan 5-9, 170, sr., H/LB.

Season Outlook: Northeast welcomes in Dan Martin as their new head coach, third one in three seasons, after spending time in Coach Brandon Cool’s staff at Kearney.  The Rockets also lose key players (Nick Halleen and Shadon Shannon) as transfers, but experience and a talented group of seniors will be key in earning success this season.  Northeast has the potential to be a dangerous team on any given night.  Key games include East (Sept. 6), Norfolk (Sept. 19) and Omaha North (Oct. 25).