Key Information:

Lincoln’s Overall Record: 6-2

3 Seed in Division 3(A)

Finish 5th Overall in D3 

Longest Win Streak: W5 (5-0)

Quarterfinals: Tonight at West Warwick, with kickoff at 6:30 PM

Entering the season it was safe to say the expectations for the Lions were low. To the shock of the entire Lincoln community, the Lions came out roaring; starting 5-0, Lincoln was considered one of the real powerhouses in Rhode Island (D3) football. This was far in between from 2021-2022, a year where Lincoln statistically faced one of their worst years in school history, at 1-9.

After rattling off win after win, Lincoln’s dreams of dominance became a reality, and even an expectation from the fanbase week in and week out. In these times it’s important to celebrate achievements but it’s more important to block out the noise and approach the schedule one opponent at a time. Lincoln’s first loss of the year came at home, courtesy of Chariho, and then experienced yet another against Middletown.

Some may say Lincoln’s losses came as a blessing in disguise. Since their two-game losing streak, Lincoln came out on top in dominant fashion in their run-in with Toll Gate, coming out on top 37-18. Perhaps, the one-game win streak will revamp the dominance carrying into the run for a championship.

Some keys to watch in the Lions first affair are their depth and stout run game against a strong West Warwick Wizards defensive front and secondary. In regards to Lincoln’s run game, expect a shared workload between Christian Petrone, Tyler Durang, and Ryan Plante; the trio has combined for over 200 yards in nearly every game this season. Now these numbers will not come easy against a fierce Wizards pass rush led by junior Josh Pedus who finished the regular season with 8.5 sacks, which is the most on the team. Lincoln’s key to success will be to control the clock with mixed runs schemes, keeping the ball out of the hands of James Branch IV and Diondre Chase, the Wizard’s all-purpose touchdown leaders.

Lincoln’s senior running back, Christian Petrone says, “the team has had a great week of preparation, are ready to go, and excited for such a big test on the road against West Warwick”. With Petrone wrapping up his senior year, a state championship would just be another accomplishment to add to his accolades. Hoping to leave a legacy far past his running days at LHS.