Jim Ebke has been getting much of the credit for Lincoln East’s impressive start to the Spartans’ much-improved season.

The senior quarterback was again steady, with three rushing touchdowns in Lincoln East’s 20-3 victory at North Platte on Friday night.

But after Friday’s win, East coach John Gingery was passing much of the praise to the defense, especially the line.

“Those front guys on defense were outstanding, and kept stuffing everything,” Gingery said. “They (the Bulldogs) had to take everything to the outside because they were not getting anything up the middle.”

The East defense held North Platte to 41 yards rushing and 69 yards passing.

Much was the same as it has been for East this season, including a 45-minute weather delay in the third quarter.

East’s 21-14 win against Lincoln Southeast in the season opener was also delayed by weather.

Also a constant has been the play of Ebke, who rushed  9-, 4- and 1-yard touchdowns.

Ebke finished with 166 yards rushing and was 5-for-11 passing.

In the Spartans’ first scoring drive, Ebke had runs of 16 and 9 yards, and a 7-yard pass.

“Jimmy had another good night,” Gingery said. “We just keep putting the ball in his hands and he keeps making plays.”

Gingery was also proud of how East was able sustain long scoring drives, and keep its focus after the weather delay.

 The Spartans likely cut loose on the long ride home, though, after improving to 3-0 with wins against three teams that have caused them fits in recent memory.

“These seniors have been through a tough couple years, but they’re having fun now and are getting better each week,” Gingery said.