Zebras capture FVL title in dominating win over Rio Linda

The Lincoln High Fighting Zebras are undefeated in league play and have attained at least a share of the Foothill Valley League following a crushing 59-0 win against the Rio Linda Knights on Friday night. "It feels great because winning the league was our goal coming into the season but we still have to win next week and get better," coach Allen Berg said. This is the first time that the Zebras have captured at least a share of the title since 2016. The Zebras began the game strong as senior running back Gabe Burns had a 40-yard run setting themselves up inside the 30-yard-line but failed to score, turning it over on downs. They got the ball right back after the defense forced a turnover on downs and this time, the offense took advantage when Burns took it 16 yards into the end zone for Lincoln's first score of the night. "The line pushed very well and we have a lot of skilled football players, which helped us move the ball pretty well," Burns said. "We have the same game plan every week to move the ball, have lockdown defense and come out with a win." Lincoln would go on to score each of their next eight possessions of the first half, including three more touchdowns by Burns and three by throws from senior quarterback Johnny Bauser. "We've just continued to do what works and everyone has been doing their job great," Bauser said. One of the Zebras' touchdowns came off of a 22-yard pick-six by senior Jordan Wagner in the beginning of the second quarter. "I just knew they were going to run that route and I jumped it and then we were close to the end zone so I returned it pretty easy," Wagner said. "Being on varsity for three years and finally winning the title is pretty cool but we are more focused on making a big run in the playoffs." Senior Samuel Polkenhorn also made a big defensive play recovering a fumble in the first half. The Zebras forced a running clock for the entire second half and never let the Knights score, even when they came close getting inside the 10-yard-line. Lincoln had one more chance to add to their lead in the fourth quarter marching inside the Knights' five-yard-line but were unable to punch it in. Lincoln is currently projected to be the third seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs, which would give them a first round bye and a home playoff game. The Zebras finish their season on Thursday at home against Nevada Union as they attempt to go undefeated in league play for the first time since 2009. "It's all going to be self evaluation and we just need to make individual blocks, finish tackles and we will find things to nitpick on our guys to make sure we are prepared for next week," Berg said.