Layla Bolduc

As a new high school football season begins, the Lincoln Lions are prepared to step on the field against better competition, but they face this challenge after losing nine senior starters from last season. Despite this, the Lions are ready to take on the challenge. 

“Moving up a division is gonna be tough, playing a lot harder teams. But I still think we’re gonna have success in Division two because a lot of other teams moved up that we played last year” said senior captain Julian Mourad.

The Lions finished last year with a 6-1 league record and were 8-2 overall. Their only regular season loss came at home against Middletown 21-0. Unfortunately, the successful season ended a heartbreaking loss after a missed extra point against West Warwick in the Division 3 semi-final. 

Now, with the Lions moving up to Division 2, the team will see some fresh faces as they take on new teams in Moses Brown, Shea, North Providence, South Kingstown, and Blackstone Valley Prep. However they will face some familiar challenges in Coventry, Johnston and Tolman. 

Following last season, Lions football lost 13 seniors, including 9 key senior starters like running backs Tyler Durang and Ryan Plante. This year it will be up to Mourad and the other new senior captains Kyle Dussault and John Nicoll to rise to the occasion and help develop the next bunch of Lions football players. 

“As a captain I don’t view myself as better than anyone else. I think it just came with experience and being a four year player. It’s good to see some new faces and make sure they’re alright, and up to speed with everyone else. When I was their age, it always helped when captains helped me” said Dussault. 

The coaching staff recognizes the difficult task at hand.

“I believe the difference between Division 2 and Division 3 is we’re going to be playing a lot of schools we haven’t played in a long time. Usually Division 2 teams have a little bit better talent, offenses and defenses. It creates a different challenge that we’re going to be facing when we play those teams” said lineman coach Stephen Rodrigues. 

Lincoln suffered an unfortunate loss to open the season against Tolman on September 13th. However, the Lions will look to get into the win column this Friday as they take on the Moses Brown Quakers at Ferguson Field. With the roaring Lions students by their side, Lincoln looks to get to 1-1 on the new season.