Homecoming inspires Lincoln to a 55-17 victory over Foothill

On a bitter cold October night, the Lincoln High School went up against the Foothill High School Mustangs for the 2011 Fighting Zebras homecoming game, Friday. The stands were packed with fans cheering for their team on both sides of the football field waiting in anticipation for an intense game.As the players were warming up and the cheerleaders were getting the crowds pumped, Lincoln varsity assistant coach Chris Bombard said, "They are bigger and more physical than us but we are faster and stronger than them."Bombard's words proved prophetic as Zebras' swiftness was the order of the night. Lincoln rushed for a total of 581 yards; its running backs scored all eight touchdowns. Cameron Tatum was successful on 7-of-8 point-after kicks. Fighting Zebras' head coach Ken Lowe said he did send in a passing play, but quarterback Jake Gomez decided to pull down the ball and rush for yardage."Our offensive line was clicking; that's probably the best game they've had," said Lowe of his club's running attack. "Defensively that was the best. We flew around the football; it's the best open-field tackling we've had. We switched a few guys around on defense and that helped us out, too."Lowe said their regular quarterback James Hubbard did a great job of playing defense, as well.The defense turned in 93 tackles on the night, and they were distributed among 17 players. The tackling leaders were Tatum, Anthony Landry, and Nick Martinez. Senior linebacker Carlos Castro recovered a Mustangs' fumble – the only turnover in the game.Foothill gained 128 yards rushing, and 169 through the air.Lincoln also recorded six quarterback sacks in the contest. Martinez, Marty Morris, and Jess Pantoja all got to the Foothill signal-caller, and defensive end Anthony Maldonado dropped him for a loss three times."We all just came together as a team," said Maldonado. "This game, we just kind of picked each other up and said 'let's get it done.'"I got a little rest for my shoulder," Maldonado said as to the break the bye week gave the Zebras, "and I just felt great after that week."On offense, senior running back Isaac Allen ran for five touchdowns, and teammates Jon Soto, Jordan Alberron, and Gomez each rushed for one. Allen had a career night, gaining 252 yards on just 14 carries, for an average of 18 yards per carry.Going into halftime, Allen stated he was more confident at that point than when going into the game.Soto broke free for a 66-yard gain, thanks to a great block from offensive lineman Austin Burke. It was the longest run of the night from the line of scrimmage for either team.The Fighting Zebras travel to Auburn for a game against Placer, 1-0 in the Pioneer Valley League, and 5-1 on the season."We still know we have a big mountain to climb," said Lowe. "Placer is definitely good. We're going to have to play even better than we did (against Foothill)."By Maddie McCartyCourtesy/Lincoln High Zebra TalesJV _ Lincoln football took home another victory, Friday. The 24-0 scoreboard showed just how hard the boys have been working. Fighting Zebras' Michael Lee intercepted the ball and ran 60 yards for a touchdown. Lee was also chosen as Max Preps Player of the Week. By halftime, Lincoln led 16-0. The downside to the game was a rash of personal fouls that resulted in an official timeout. After the officials talked it over with the coaches, and the coaches with their respective players, both squads cooled off. With 4:40 left in the game, Aaron Soto scored a touchdown. Frankie Welch rushed for the 2-point conversion to end the scoring for the game.By Bree Escobar and Jordan AndersonCourtesy/Lincoln High Zebra TalesFrosh _ The Lincoln freshman had a tough loss against the Mesa Verde Mavericks, 14-8, Oct. 6. Isaiah Garcia scored the Zebras' lone touchdown, and Harrison Stewart ran for the 2-point conversion. That put Lincoln up 8-0.Mesa Verde fought back to score two touchdowns before halftime, and added one 2-point conversion to give them their margin of victory.In the second half, Dan Stimbert reeled off a long run with the help of Andy Boehm. However, the Zebras couldn't find the end zone, and turned the ball over several times passing the ball.Lincoln's Jackson Sterling intercepted a Mavericks' pass and returned it 40 yards. Unfortunately, Sterling fractured his collarbone on the play.