The Lincoln East defensive line presented Omaha Benson with a timing problem.

As in not having enough time.

The Spartans harassed the Benson backfield and kept the Bunnies  bottled up for the most part in helping Class A seventh-ranked East earn a 27-6 victory Friday at Seacrest Field.

“We got a lot of penetration and that caused them some problems,” East coach John Gingery said. “Jake Wolf, Cole Weihe and Dan Cramer really got in on the quarterback and messed up some plays.”

Wolf had the only sack, tackling Orlando Moore for a 16-yard loss in the second quarter. But the Bunnies had trouble getting much going, being tackled for losses four times and gaining three or fewer yards 12 other times.

East limited Benson to 145 yards rushing while racking up 280. The Bunnies had just one pass completion and threw two interceptions.

“Our defensive line played really well,” said Jim Ebke, who had one of the interceptions and nearly had another. “Our plan on defense was to string them out and use the sideline. They had a couple of big plays, but we didn’t let them have much.

“I think it helped us to get exposed to the kind of speed they have.”

Gingery said the Spartans executed the defensive plan to perfection.

“Our defense is really sound. After the turnover, they had the one big play, but other than that, we did a great job containing their speed,” he said. “We had to honor their passing game because they’ve shown they do like to go vertical.”

In addition to his defensive contribution, Ebke ran for 204 yards on 23 carries and scored four touchdowns. He threw for 45 yards, but also surrendered an interception, which he said motivated him.

“I had to redeem myself after they picked me,” he said. “On the other one, Sam Meginnis was going for it after I tipped it and we ran into each other.”

Ebke picked up 144 of his rushing yards in the first half and directed three scoring drives. The first was a 10-play drive in which Ebke found Sam Witherby for a fourth-down conversion and then scored on a 1-yard run.

The Spartans needed just three plays to score again. Ebke kept around the right end for a 33-yard score, getting one final block from Ravi Mahapatra at the 5-yard line.

Benson’s only score of the half came after a 28-yard interception return. On the next play, Tyrell Carter raced 23 yards to open the second quarter.

Ebke capped a 71-yard drive with a 9-yard run for a 20-6 halftime lead. He had 44 yards, including a 22-yard run, on the drive.

A 30-yard run by Ebke in the third quarter sealed the victory. He took off up the middle, turned his shoulders sideways to get through two tacklers, then cut to his left for clear sailing.

Reach Ryly Jane Hambleton at 473-7314 or rhambleton@journalstar.com