Win helps Lions grab division crown
SAN JOSE >> Long after the clock hit zeroes, and after they met on the Piedmont Hills field for their postgame talk, the Lincoln players let out a roar on their sideline.
Word spread that Live Oak had a big lead on Oak Grove. Lincoln had taken care of business Friday night with a 48-21 win over Piedmont Hills, and with Live Oak’s eventual 34-14 win over Oak Grove, Lincoln is the outright champion of the Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division for the first time in its history.
“I was just shocked; I didn’t know how to react,” said Lincoln’s Isaac Juarez about when he heard the Live Oak score.
Oak Grove had entered the game tied with Lincoln for first place.
“It’s amazing.” Lincoln coach Kevin Collins said. “I’m really happy for the kids. This is a group of sophomores that did not have a lot of success, and last year we were 4-7, and then this year to come back and win the championship is incredible. Our goal was to compete in every game, and then as the year went on, you kind of have that carrot maybe you have a chance if we keep doing what we are doing.”
Lincoln (7-2 overall, 6-1 in the Mt. Hamilton) was impressive Friday against the Pirates (4-6, 4-3).
“It was a total team effort,” Collins said. “Our special teams played well, our defense played well.”
The Lions’ running game churned out 453 yards and six touchdowns. Juarez (a gamehigh 196 yards and four touchdowns), Gabe Florez (153 yards, one touchdown) and Adam Arenas (100 yards, all in the second half) led the way. Lincoln scored twice late in the first half to take a 27-14 halftime lead. Independence running back Dylan Oliver (1) and quarterback Jordan Ausbie (4) celebrate with teammates after defeating Overfelt in the Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa Division championship game.