Unbeaten Lincoln hosts state title game
They’ve been playing football at Lincoln since 1940 and, according to head coach Phil Ferrigno, this is the first 12-0 team in school history.
At noon Saturday, the Mustangs will also become the first San Francisco team ever to host a state football title game when they take on Orange GlenEscondido (10-3) at City College of San Francisco for the Division 6-A championship.
“There are a lot of firsts,” Ferrigno said. “I’m just trying to enjoy the ride.”
It has been better than Santa’s sleigh for Ferrigno, who previously had not coached this late in the season.
He has offered the Mustangs stability — he has been with the program for 17 years — and a fair amount of success, with seven San Francisco Section titles, including a record four in a row starting in 2005.
“I try to point them in the right direction and try not to screw them up,” said Ferrigno, the physical-education department head at Lincoln whose involvement with his players ranges from academics to weight training and, in some cases, being a second parent. “We have a great community and staff on campus. I have a great coaching staff. If things go sideways, I’m always going to find out and try to get kids on the right path.”
Ferrigno knew coming into this season that his team was special — and only partly because of their athletic ability. They all volunteer for Special Olympics, many help feed the homeless and are good students.
“They just get it,” he said. “They just do the right things and make good decisions. They’re not perfect, but they’re just good kids.”
On the field, they have been perfect. The Mustangs have outscored 11 opponents (they have one forfeit win) 425-115, including a 53-0 defeat of Mission in the SFS championship game Nov. 30.
At the core of Lincoln’s success are its seniors, seven of whom earned first-team AllAcademic Athletic Association honors:
Jovan Baker: The 6-foot, 175-pound quarterback and free safety was voted the AAA’s MVP after rushing for 1,017 yards (10.1 per carry), passing for 466, having a hand in 20 touchdowns while also making 51 tackles and four interceptions. “He does everything. He makes plays all over the place,” Ferrigno said. “He’s one of the most versatile players and best leaders I’ve ever coached.”
DeSean Crawford: Crawford isn’t big (5-7, 180), but is the team’s workhorse, having rushed for 1,526 yards (7.1 percarry average) and 25 TDs. Ferrigno said, “He’s our Energizer Bunny and Mighty Mouse. He always gets us going. He may be one of our smallest guys, but he plays with the biggest heart.”
Julian Aguirre: The AAA’s Defensive Player of the Year is only 5-8 and 160 pounds, but leads the team with 76 tackles. “He plays with a lot of instinct and passion and heart,” Ferrigno said. San Francisco to the core, when Aguirre isn’t doing school work or football, he earns money by cracking crabs at the wharf.
Albert Moore: The 6-foot, 245-pounder anchors both lines along with junior Leonardo Gallegos (6-2, 256), another first-team All-AAA member. Moore “has worked his butt off four years to earn his spot,” his coach said. “He’s tough and strong and one of those kids who will do whatever it takes for the program.”
Jack Gaughan: The wide receiver/linebacker’s nickname is “Captain America,” Ferrigno said, because of his transformation from “an unassuming paperboy look to stud. He’s only 170 pounds, but he does everything for us. He’s a throwback.”
Ajani Adewusi: The 6-4, 195-pound receiver and defensive end is a college baseball pitching prospect, but turned into a big-play performer on the football field with three blocked punts and numerous tackles for loss.
Eugene Latinos-Felton: There seemingly isn’t a position Latinos-Felton hasn’t played, including backup quarterback. He is used primarily at fullback, tight end and punter but also has played linebacker and cornerback. “He’s one heck of an athlete,” Ferrigno said.