The Thrill Of Winning!

It’s been since 2011 that a Lincoln football team has started a season 4-0. Cougars started this entire process during last year’s holiday season immediately following the 2014 campaign.
While others were busy unwrapping presents, Lincoln’s players were busy building one for Head Coach, Rob Hawkins. It’s the best start of any team in Harrison County. All of that hard work has paid off as Hawkins mentioned that his team was ahead of schedule early in the preseason and they haven’t slowed down to let anyone catch up to them.
It’s not the wins that are so impressive in Shinnston; it’s the way they are earning them in such a dominating fashion. The Cougars have outscored their opponents 188-35. Offensively, they haven’t scored less than 33 points in any game and they own a 47-point per game average. Defensively, they have allowed one score or less (that includes one shutout) in three of their four games for an 8.7 points per game average. It’s as if someone gave Hawkins the keys to a brand new steamroller and he can’t take his foot off of the gas.
There is even more good news for future opponents; Lincoln is extremely balanced on offense, which makes life hard on defense coordinators that are looking for a way to slow this squad down. Points are coming from all directions, including the special teams unit. Cole DeBerry jumpstarted this past weeks 48-7 win over East Fairmont with an 86 yard return on the games opening kickoff.
The stats do not lie and they were all pointing in Lincoln’s direction. The Cougars outgained the Bees in total offense (466-166 yards) and first downs (21-8) while scoring in every quarter last Friday.
Of the sex offensive touchdowns scored, four came on the ground and two were produced by the passing attack. Andrew Lopez led all rushers with 168 yards on 24 carries including a one yard score. Hunter Moore also crossed the century mark gaining 104 yards on just seven carries. More also found pay dirt twice on runs of 54 and 1 yard respectively.
Quarterback Kobie Carpenter was 8 of 16 passing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Chase Riley hauled in a 42-yard reception for a score and the other was an 18-yard brought in by Anthony Kellar.
This week will provide a battle of unbeaten, as Lincoln will travel to Lost Creek to play South Harrison. The Hawks (3-0) are coming off of a bye week after defeating Grafton the week prior.
Bridgeport also remained unbeaten following their 48-21 win over RCB. The Indians rolled up 450 yards on the ground. Dylan Tonkery led all rushes with 202 yards on 20 carries along with two rushing touchdowns. Dante Bonamico had 136 yards on 13 rushes with four rushing touchdowns.
The Flying Eagles were paced by the rushing efforts of Juwan Jones-Wright. The senior picked up 173 yards on 18 carries. He also scored on runs of 62 and 1 yard respectively.
Liberty blanked Philip Barbour 29-0. The homecoming win was the first of the year for the Mountaineers. The hosts scored on both sides of the ball. They picked up a safety and a 67-yard interception return from Dalton Westfall defensively. Seth McKinney tossed a pair to touchdown passes. The first was a 48 yarder to Preston Nelson and the second was an 8 yarder to Nelson again. Seth George also scored on a one yard run in the second quarter.
That will do it for now. Until next week, take care and God Bless!