Loud and clear
Lincoln opens Division II play with impressive 26-0 win over Woonsocket
The Lincoln High School football team has a statement victory over defending Super Bowl champion Woonsocket.
LINCOLN — If you’re the Lincoln High football team, you couldn’t have scripted it any better.
Powered by an offense where the run and pass were equally effective and a defense that didn’t allow the defending Division II Super Bowl champs to reach the end zone, Lincoln opened Division II-A play with an impressive 26-0 win over Woonsocket before a strong Friday night turnout at Ferguson Field.
For the Lions, there were plenty of standouts. Junior safety John Jaramillo came away with three interceptions. Senior quarterback Randall Hien scored on the ground twice – both times from one-yard out – while junior Tyler Dusty helped break the game wide open with a 73-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
The shutout victory was extra sweet for Lincoln, which was rolled by Woonsocket last season (54-6). The Villa Novans (0-2, 0-1 Division II) turned the ball over five times, three of which directly led to touchdowns for the home team.
“We talked about winning the game during practice throughout the week and they were able to execute,” said LHS head coach Sean Cavanaugh. “They believed in themselves. We knew we were up against a tough opponent. We respect Woonsocket. They’re big. They’re strong. They’re fast. We knew it was going to be physical, but our kids showed up. They gave their best effort. I’m really proud of them.”
After scoreless first quarter where both sides possessed the ball once but didn’t
score – the Lions ( 1- 1, 1- 0 Division II) came away with a takeaway on the first play of the second quarter. On the ensuing drive, Lincoln possessed the ball for nearly seven minutes with Hien connecting on five occasions with junior Kyle Wilson. Senior Andrew King capped off the lengthy drive with a four- yard score with 4: 44 remaining before halftime.
“It was the important to grind it out and keep the ball away from them because they are so explosive,” said Cavanaugh.
The Lions enjoyed a 6- 0 lead at the break as the defense stood tall. The Villa Novans took a shot on a fourth down from the LHS 31- yard line but the pass to the end zone fell incomplete.
Woonsocket had trouble snapping the ball from center just about all game long. Though none of the exchanges from center resulted in a turnover, the Novans did put the ball on the ground during their first drive of the second half. Lincoln junior Nick Toro pounced on the live ball before making his mark on offense.
Streaking down the middle and taking full advantage of a blown coverage, Toro hooked up for a 55- yard pass play that helped set up the first of two rushing scores by Hien. After going up 12- 0 at 4: 14 of the third quarter, Lincoln forced into a three- and- out that was followed by Dusty and his lengthy gallop down the far sideline. The running back was able to sidestep away from a Woonsocket defender on his way to upping Lincoln’s lead to 19- 0 with one quarter remaining.
“We were really happy with the balance we showed on offense,” said Cavanaugh. “We have a lot of athletes and we’re finding ways for them to contribute.”
The third pick of the game for Jamiello gave way to a 22- yard run by King before it was once again Hien’s turn. He kept it for a QB-sneak touchdown with 7:04 left. Woonsocket turned it over once again but Lincoln was more than content in running out the clock.
Lincoln will look to keep it going Friday afternoon at West Warwick while Woonsocket hopes to regroup and get healthy in time for Saturday’s visit by Westerly to Barry Field.