Football Preview: Lincoln Southeast

LINCOLN–(KFOR Aug. 13)–After finishing in the quarterfinals of the Class A football playoffs in 2018, Lincoln Southeast could be the crown jewel in the city, if things go as planned.

Southeast senior Isaac Gifford would like to finish strong this season, after falling to eventual state champ Omaha Burke last year.

“I thought we were (a good defensive team) last year,” Gifford told KFOR’s media partner 10/11 Sports. “I think this year we could be really good defensively.”

Gifford, along with Isaac Appleget, McGinness Schneider and Xavier Trevino are among the top returning starters from last year’s playoff team.

Southeast also adds a couple of transfers (1,000 yard rusher Nick Halleen and quarterback Shadon Shannon from Lincoln Northeast) and senior lineman Teivis Tuioti, who is the son of Nebraska assistant football coach Tony Tuioti.

The Knights open the season August 29, hosting defending state champ Omaha Burke.  You can hear the game on KFOR.

Lincoln Southeast Knights

Head Coach: Ryan Gottula (Career Record: 50-32)

2018 Record: 7-4 Class A Playoff Quarterfinalist

Returning starters/letterwinners:  Isaac Appleget, WR/CB; Barrett France, TE; Xavier Trevino, OT; Carson Stoner, OG; Carter West, C; Isaac Gifford, FS; Derek Branch, CB; Jackson Kraus, LB; Ryan Rediger, LB; Gage Johnson, DE; Trystan Neiman, DE; Reis Jensen, OLB;  Jackson Doty, PK; Coleby Daffer, QB/DB; Jake Appleget, WR/OLB; Maddox Burton, DT/OT; Max Dorfmeyer, LB/FB; McGinness Schneider, QB/CB; Elijah Ackerman, DB/RB; Taveon Thompson, WR/OLB; Austin Rutledge, DB/WR; Tristan Allen, OG/DE; Chase Hanger, FB/LB; Jacob Bergonia, OG.

Newcomers To Watch: Nick Halleen, RB/LB; Shadon Shannon, QB; Teivis Tuioti, OG/DT; Marcus Kastanek, OT/DE.

Season outlook:  This may be the most talented team Southeast has seen since their 2011 state championship team.  Lots of experience back at several positions, plus newcomers (Halleen and Shannon-transfers from Northeast), will help in some skill positions like running back and quarterback.  Gifford, Isaac Appleget, Schneider and Daffer are familiar players from last year’s state playoff team that could carry Southeast to the next level. The Knights are likely to contend with Southwest for the city title, plus are in contention in a loaded Class A field.