TROJAN SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON **CAMERON LANG**



Senior DB/RB Cameron Lang

When you look at a player like Cameron Lang, you see a player that has been entrenched in the game for a long time. He just knows how to play. Defensively, you will always find Cameron around the football. Versatile enough to transition from CB to FS to RB to PR to KR, yet because of the star studded line up at Lincoln, this kid has slipped under the radar. There is 4 star Gator commit James Hearns, and 4 star Georgia commit Reggie Davis, and 4 star WR Taj Williams, and 2 star Yale commit Myles Gaines, and there is 2014 Kendall Randolph, and 2014 Jeffrey Williams, and 2015 John Burt, etc... So it is easy to get lost in the shuffle.

I personally, LOVE what I see in this kid. He is not the fastest, but can cover and works hard. He is not the biggest, but doesn't get beat physically and he works hard. He is not the strongest, but doesn't get bullied and he works hard. At 5'10" and 175 lbs Lang has decent size to play at the next level and is awaiting his first offer. Cameron has palyed on varsity since the 10th grade. As the Trojan season gets under way, it will be interesting to watch how this kid pans out. My gut says that Cameron will be ok in the end.

Click here -> Cameron Lang's Highlights

LINCOLN CHECKS IN AT #51 - Rivals 100

With all of the top notch talent at Lincoln High School, it is easy to see why they are one of the top programs in the country. Other key players not mentioned are WR Myles Gaines, DB/RB Cameron Lang, QB/DB Kendall Randolph, LB Jeffrey Williams, WR/QB John Burt and OL Dakota Deyent.

LINCOLN WINS 7 on 7 CHAMPIONSHIP

Lincoln coaches Jacquez Green & Yusuf Shakir hold the 7 on 7
Championship Spear with FSU's Jimbo Fisher as the Trojans celebrates

Teams came from far and wide to attend Jimbo Fisher's 7 on 7 team tournament held on June 16, 2012. The format is tough. Teams must play back to back to back until the championship round without much rest in between. Teams from Alabama, Georgia and South Florida made the trek to compete for the crown, but in the end it was Tallahassee's Lincoln High School vs Amos P. Godby for the Championship. Godby faced a very tough Deerfield Beach team in the semis and an extra point decided the outcome. For Lincoln the opponent was a very disciplined Holmes County, and after a tough battle early, Lincoln was able to get some breathing room. Throughout the day some of the players that stood out were QB Cameron Joseph, WRs Taj Williams, Reggie Davis, Myles Gaines, and a sure D1 prospect in WR John Burt. Defensively, James Hearns & another sure D1 prospect Jeffrey Williams consistently made plays at linebacker as did DBs Cameron Lang, Kendall Randolph, and Greg Fishburn. Over all it was a team effort and all the players had good highlights. In the Championship game however, Myles Gaines made catch after catch including a spectacular diving catch in traffic for the score that would seal the deal against Godby. The Trojans will gladly give this championship back for the one in December, but right now the mentality is one game at a time.

ANDRADES - THE ROAD TO GAINESVILLE



L to R Cousin Durell Queen, RAPH, mother Aundrea Andrades, grandmother Janie Powell & Dad Raphael Andrades on National Signing Day

 Tallahassee Lincoln WR Raphael Andrades started his love affair with the Gators during his Freshman year in High School. He grew up a Miami Hurricanes fan largely in part because his Dad's love for the Canes. Dad (Raphael, Sr.) grew up in Miami. Attended Miami Northwestern. The same school that produced the number one class in 2008 for the Canes that included Jacory Harris, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston, Tommy Streeter, etc... Dad went to school with a few of the fathers of these players: Rodney Harris, Sam Spence, and Tommy Streeter, Sr. Dad also went to high school with a few recognizable University of Miami  names like Melvin Bratton (Denver Broncos), and Brett Perriman (Detroit Lions). So the love for the Canes for Dad, and Raph's uncles was huge.

One day Raph and his dad were riding in the car together and Raph tried to conceal the screen picture on his phone, but Dad caught a glimpse of it. It was something related to the Florida Gators. It was a kind of sad moment for dad, but he knew that he had to teach Junior a life lesson about choices. Dad said, "Raph, I love the Canes. Just because I love the Canes, doesn't mean that you have to love the Canes or even like them. You are allowed to like which ever team you want, but just stay away from me when they are playing my Canes." Raph now relieved replied, "Dad, I want you to know that I like the Gators and I want to play there after high school." Dad's response was, "Well, if you want to become a Gator, you have a lot of work to do. Which school you choose to attend after high school is your choice, I will only help as an advisor, but it's 100% your choice, but you have to work hard."

Fast forward to the recruiting. Raph received offers from Illinois, Stanford, Arkansas, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee, FIU, and a few other schools. As the process went along Raph wasn't "feeling" some of the schools. Stanford was attractive but just too far. Arkansas had an exciting offense, but he didn't know enough about them. Vanderbilt was a great institution, they have solid everything (but it wasn't like Florida). Kentucky was a perfect blend of "family & opportunity", and he really wanted to go there, he felt very comfortable there, but somehow that didn't happen. Notre Dame comes on the scene late and offers an official visit then takes it back. Arkansas sets up a visit, then takes it back. All of the schools are putting their eggs in one basket. They all want Dorial Green-Beckham, or Nelson Agholor, or Stephon Diggs, or this guy or that guy. They all are good programs, they all have great things to offer, but these players can only attend one school, yet they have 3, 4 maybe 5 teams to choose from.... what are the odds. Now it is time to make a choice. With a few offers taken away, and a few coaches calling saying please wait I may have something. Raph has a HUGE decision to make. Will he wait and be disappointed, or will he take an offer from a smaller school and just get an education and play.

Enter the Florida Gators. When Aubrey Hill asked Raph to call him, all of Raph's attention turned to the Gators. Raph was telling his Dad, "I'm going to Gainesville and just walk-on." Dad said, "No you are not! You will accept the scholarship offer that you have on the table." Next thing you know things are going 100 miles per hour. Now Raph had been to Junior Day at Florida, attended summer football camp there as well. Went to "Friday Night Lights" at the Swamp. Attended several games as a recruit. Called the coaching staff and spoke to them regularly. He made it no secret that his desire was to play at Florida. Now comes "the call". "Raph, this is coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators. I want you to know that we are working very hard to make you a Gator, but I can't let you know until maybe 9 am tomorrow if I have that scholarship available, although I may hear something tonight". Just the thought of that brought a huge smile (Raph has that Million Dollar Smile) and tears of joy to not only Raph, but his Dad who was with him at the moment. He was so close to his dream.

It was the day before National Signing Day. Several coaches are putting in their last minutes calls. Some trying to jump back on the scene after "dissing" Raph. Others calling claiming that they finally found a way of getting a hold of Raph. Yet another trying to make sure that all would go well for him on signing day. But at around 11:15 pm, the only call that mattered to him came in. This was it. It was the Florida Gators. Raph was in the shower when his phone rang, so Coach Muschamp called Dad. "Great news", he said. "We were able to work everything out and we are offering your son a scholarship, but we called Raph and couldn't get a hold of him... is he available?" Dad said, "He's in the shower, but he is definitely available, please hold". Dad went to the bathroom opened the door, asked Raph to turn the water off and put the phone on speaker. "Raph, this is Will Muschamp... ARE YOU READY TO BE A GATOR?" Raph replied, "YES SIR, I ACCEPT, I COMMIT, ALL OF THAT... YES SIR!" And the tears of joy began to flow.

On National Signing Day, while everyone was beaming about their recruits, there was one recruit(er) who's smile was shinning brighter. Now that recruit(er), who has always had the respect of his teammates has added one teammate to the fold 2013 LB James Hearns. 2013 WRs Reggie Davis & Taj Williams may soon add their names to the Gator committed list as well. Taj prior to his final regular season basketball game on Saturday wore a Gators T-shirt and Hat. Signing Raph gave the Gators a very solid receiver, but it also gave them a ring side seat to the Tallahassee Lincoln Football class of 2013 recruiting battle.

LINCOLN'S CHANCE TO REPEAT - DERAILED

Seniors QB Ronald Butler, RB DJ Abnar, WR Raphael Andrades
end their H.S. football careers for the Lincoln Trojan football team.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for the Lincoln Trojans Friday night. The best of times: Lincoln had just finished the season with a 9-1 after defeating cross-town rival Godby. Lincoln had an opportunity to move ahead in the 2011 playoffs by beating Fleming Island at home. Lincoln was one of the favorites to face a team from the southern region for a chance at a State Championship. But then came the worst of times. The Trojans were hurting a little. Out for this game was Junior LB James Hearns with a knee injury, out was Senior lineman & long snapper Wes Hawkins who suffered a broken leg in practice earlier in the week. And in came the Fleming Island Golden Eagles who didn't travel to Tallahassee to go home empty handed, which was noticeable from the opening drive. With about 6 minutes left in the first quarter the Eagle scored on a 22 yard touchdown run by Frantz Caudio. Fleming Island followed that up with a field goal early in the second. After another TD and FG (extra point was blocked) the Golden Eagles flew into halftime with a 19-0 leaving the Trojan crowd in dis-belief. On the second play of the third quarter Lincoln would find life when Ronald Butler would scamper 82 yards for a Trojan TD making the score 19-7. The defense stepped up and made a stopped, but on the ensuing possession Fleming Island's Jason Kindle picked off a Lincoln pass and took it 48 yards for a score. The Eagles would add 2 FGs and the Lincoln Trojans appeared to be losing all hopes of a chance at a repeat trip to Orlando with the score now 32-7. But on a 38 yard pass from Butler to Junior WR Reggie Davis, Lincoln cut the deficit to 32-14, however the Eagles responded with a 50 yard run by Caudio. With 2:09 left in the game Lincoln would battle and score on a 12 yard TD pass to Davis. Lincoln recovered the onside kick, and this time Butler found Senior WR Raphael Andrades for a 23 yard TD giving the Trojans new hope. With the score 39-27 (after a failed 2-point conversion), Lincoln would add a safety to the score. But it was too little, too late as the quest for a repeat came to a halt in this 2011 season. Fleming Island moves on to play First Coast in a rematch of a tough loss earlier in the season. Lincoln plagued by 7 turnovers ends it's season, but not without a BIG CONGRATULATIONS from the Lincoln Football Guy.

LINCOLN vs FLEMING ISLAND - PLAYOFFS ROUND 1 PREVIEW

TALLAHASSEE LINCOLN TROJANS

                                                                   vs

FLEMING ISLAND GOLDEN EAGLES

The Fleming Island Golden Eagles are travelling to Tallahassee to face the Lincoln Trojans making this the longest distance that they've travelled so far this year. This is a trip that they will gladly make because it means that they've made it to the playoffs. However, now we get to the part of the season that is tough on most people (players, coaches, parents, teachers, faculty, staff, alumni & fans)... it is a win or go home situation. This means that at the end of this night, your season could be is over. Neither of these teams is ready to face that reality, but one of them must.

Fleming Island rolls into this game on a four game winning streak. They had a very close game against First Coast, and would love nothing more than to have the opportunity to face them again in the second round of these playoffs. In the air the Golden Eagles have a first year starter in Senior QB Dante Roberts who is a transfer from Palatka, and is the cousin of the primary receiver #8 Brontell Roberts. On the ground, the duties are split between #46 Kent Minor and #19 Frantz Caudio. One of the most dangerous players on the field is #5 DB/KR/PR Craig Brodsky. This kid has really good speed, has great vision, and great anticipation in the secondary. He is a natural playmaker that the Trojans must look out for. Brodsky is committed to Elon College, but has recently received an offer from Air Force. For Fleming Island to win this game, they must play solid defense against Lincoln's high powered, quick strike offense. The Golden Eagles cannot turn the ball over on offense, and they must control the time of possession and keep Lincoln's defense on the field.

Wesley Hawkins to miss the
playoff with a broken leg.

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans are coming into this game after a big win against a cross-town rival. The Trojans are led by Senior QB Ronald Butler (23 TDs/2 ints), Senior RB DJ Abnar (1300 yds/22 TDs), Senior WR Raphael Andrades (750 yds/12 TDs), and Junior WR/KR/PR Reggie Davis one of the most dangerous returners in the state if not the nation. Lincoln is trying to repeat as State Champions in arguably the toughest class in the State of Florida this year Class 7A. But Lincoln will be without Senior lineman and long snapper Wesley Hawkins who broke his leg (Tibia & Fibula) on Tuesday and had surgery on Wednesday. In order for the Trojans to win this ball game, they must win the special teams battle as this is the best special teams match up that they have seen all year. They must continue to light it up on offense, and they must do a better job of tackling the runner than they did in their last game. The winner of this game moves on to face the winner of the Ocala Forest vs Jacksonville First Coast match up.

LINCOLN TROJANS - CITY CHAMPIONS

It was cold last night in Tallahassee. Colder than Chicago. Colder than New York. Colder than Fargo, North Dakota? Yes, colder than Fargo, North Dakota according to the weatherman's report last night. But that didn't stop the crowd from piling in at the North Florida Fair, or at the annual rivalry game between Lincoln and Godby. This one was for bragging rights. This one was for the City Championship. Lincoln came out firing after several runs by DJ Abnar, Lincoln set up a TD run with a 36 yard pass from Ronald Butler to Raphael Andrades to make it 1st an goal at the 4 yard line. Abnar would take care of business from there to make it 7-0 Lincoln. Godby would later answer with a score of their own (a 1 yard plunge by Khalid Thomas) tying the game 7-7, but before you could blink Reggie Davis took the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown to make the score 14-7. Thomas would later add a 71 yard score to tie it up, but Lincoln quickly moved the ball and scored on Abnar's 2nd TD of the night shortly before the half.

Senior WR Raphael Andrades

After the halftime adjustments, the battle continued. Neither team would cave in. Godby tied the score early in the third quarter on a 70 yard pass from Dennis Andrews to Freshman WR Jalin Heyward. However, Lincoln would battle back to take the lead once again when Butler connected with Davis on a 51 yard pass play for a TD. Lincoln would later add a TD by Butler on a QB sneak to rule again as City Champions of Tallahassee. A 3 point loss kept Lincoln (9-1) from having a perfect regular season, but staying perfect in the playoffs is far more important. Lincoln hosts Fleming Island (Jacksonville), while Godby travels to West Florida Tech (Pensacola) for the first round of the playoffs next Friday at 7:30 pm.

LINCOLN DISTRICT CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN





Derrington Abnar receives the Rivalry MVP Award for his game versus Ocala Forest

 

Myles Gaines makes a spectacular
grab against a Forest defender

Every now and then, there is a weekend in the season that is considered "Upset Weekend". This weekend had that feel. An undefeated team lost to a two-loss team on Thursday night, some top teams lost to the underdogs or came very close to losing around the state. So when on the first possession of the game, Ocala Forest drove the football down field on four plays and scored on the Lincoln Trojans, I understood the sentiments of the Homecoming crowd on hand on this slightly chilled night. I didn't take long at all for Ocala to move the ball on the Trojan "D". A keeper by Sophomore QB Jake Roddenberry, followed by another run, a long toss down the sideline, and then a quick run up the middle by Roddenberry gave Forest a 7-0 lead. The Trojans would quickly respond with a drive of their own, capped off by a 29 yard touchdown pass from Ronald Butler to Raphael Andrades. In the 2nd quarter Derrington Abnar would rip off a 79 yard TD run, and  the Trojans would add a pair of field goals to pull ahead 20-7 by half. In the second half, Lincoln would come out with renewed focus. Lincoln would put up 21 unanswered points, including a spectacular touchdown grab by Myles Gaines. Ocala was held to little or no gains until the latter part of the third when Forest would score on Lincoln's second team defense. Ocala added another score in the fourth to make the final 41-21. Abnar rushed for 159 yards on 13 carries and 2 TDs, Butler was 18 for 28, 281 yards and 2 TDs, while Andrades had 4 receptions, 94 yards, and a TD. With his performance Abnar earned game MVP honors. Mark Herndon had 143 yards and a TD for Ocala.

LINCOLN vs OCALA FOREST - PREVIEW

TALLAHASSEE LINCOLN TROJANS

vs

OCALA FOREST WILDCATS

The Ocala Forest Wildcats come into Tallahassee with nothing to lose. No one expects them to beat Lincoln. No one expects them to be Class 7A District 1 Champions. No one except, of course, themselves. Forest has quietly put together a solid season. Senior RB Mark Herndon is one of the most underrated players at his position in the state. Herndon has rushed for 1189 yards and 17 TDs this season, his physical size maybe an issue for some Colleges, but the size of his heart won't be. Sophomore QB Jake Roddenberry is the signal caller for the Wildcats, while the defense is led by three of the area's top players Safety Jordon Austin (who leads Marion County in tackles and interceptions), DE Tyler Grow, and LB Michael Hobbs. If the Wildcats are going to win this game, they must be disciplined on defense and not allow the Lincoln offense to get in to a rhythm, they also must control and protect the football on offense.

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans are coming off of a badly needed bye week. A few key Lincoln players have been nicked up, so the off week has allowed them to rest and recover. The last five games the Trojan offense has been unstoppable while scoring 62, 52, 48, 54, and 55 points. Senior RB D.J. Abnar has been running wild amassing 475 yards and 9 TDs the last two games, despite sitting out the entire second half due to the score in one of the contests. The Trojans have their eyes set on returning to Orlando in December, but the first and most important step is winning the district. For Lincoln it is also Homecoming, which adds to the excitment of the game. In order for Lincoln to win, they can not afford to look ahead. They can't look ahead to Orlando. They can't look ahead at First Coast (a likely playoff opponent). They can't look ahead at undefeated cross town rival Godby next week. The focus has to be on the now, and Head Coach Yusuf Shakir will likely have the Trojans on the right page.

TROJAN SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON **ERIC CHILDS**

Senior Linebacker Eric Childs

When it comes to consistency on the Lincoln Trojan football team, you do not need to look any further than Senior Linebacker/Running Back Eric Childs. I have followed this young man since his days at Swift Creek Middle School, and not much has changed. He makes plays, makes the tackle, sticks his nose in the middle of the opposing teams business. Maybe teams overlook him because of his stature, but at the end of the night you will find out that the one immeasurable that he does have is a huge heart. A fearless competitor, the leader on the defense, there is a reason why EC has been called "My Favorite Linebacker" for years and years.

Senior Linebacker - Eric Childs

This past summer, Childs made his rounds at several camps. At Duke he opened the coaches eyes when he posted a 4.5 forty yards dash and for a moment the possibility of a low center of gravity RB came to mind. His 5'9" and 190 pounds frame really is the only thing stopping this kid from being a big time D-1 prospect. EC also traveled to the Citadel, and Wofford College. He was able to leave a big impression on the coaches there with his hard work and attention to detail. He has been in contact with the coaches there on a regular basis and hopes to secure a scholarship offer from them soon. Citadel Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach Aashon Larkin has been in regular contact with Childs since leaving the camp. Childs receives letters every week from the Citadel and would like to continue playing football and attend college somewhere. Wofford College has been in contact as well. He receives mail from them and several other schools, but right now these two schools are in his top preferences for next year. Academically, EC is already qualified. He maintains a 3.5 gpa, and scored an 1180 on his SAT & a 19 on the ACT.

What Eric Childs lacks in stature he has doubles that in heart. His biggest game this season was against Florida High. He scored the touchdown to tie the game up at 21, and sealed the game when he made a HUGE tackle for loss on 4th and short for FL High to end the game with time running out. My all time favorite highlight for EC, however came last season against Rickards. As Rickards punted the ball away to us, Reggie Davis to the ball on the right side of the field, as he raced to the middle he saw that he had to bounce it outside. With defenders giving chase EC wiped out the last guy that had a chance at Davis. EC hit the kid so hard, his feet pointed skyward as he flew about 5 yards out of bounds. ERIC CHILDS IS A FOOTBALL PLAYER (PERIOD). Where ever he ends up, that school will be lucky to have him.

LINCOLN GETS GOING EARLY OVER WEST PORT

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans traveled to Ocala to face the West Port Wolf Pack. The game was fast paced, as the Trojans made quick work of West Port. Senior RB D.J. Abnar put the team on his back and carried them to victory. On Lincoln's first possession, Abnar scored from 32 yards out, but West Port would quickly answer making the score 7-6 as the Wolf Pack missed the PAT. Lincoln responded by scoring on every possession in the first half except one, needing only 24 plays to put up 48 points. Abnar ripped West Port for 202 yards on 10 carries and 4 TDs in the first half, QB Ronald Butler scored on a 68 yard TD run, WR Reggie Davis added a 25 yd TD run, and WR Raphael Andrades caught a 17 yd TD to round out the first half scoring. Lincoln went into the lockerroom up 48-6.

Video: How Lincoln Scored

The Lincoln starters would sit out the second half for the fourth time this season following huge halftime leads. The Wolf Pack would not just lay down and go away though. Having every reason to hang their heads, West Port came out of the lockerroom as if the game was 0-0. Don't know what Head Coach Ryan Hearn said at the half but the speech must of been very inspirational. The Wolf Pack would drive the ball down field on the Trojan defense and score, giving West Port faithful something to cheer about. By the end of the night, RB Will Sims would finish with 18 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown. This young, up and coming team and program will be a force in the future. The Trojan reserve unit would give up 2 scores while driving down field and scoring themselves making the final score 55-21. But the real story on the night was D.J. Abnar. In the last two games Abnar has rushed for nearly 500 yards on roughly only 30 carries and an eye popping 9 TDs.

With the victory the Trojans clinched their spot in the playoffs. Their next opponent is Ocala Forest and that game will determine the District 1-7A Champion on November 4 in Tallahassee at Gene Cox Stadium 7pm.

LINCOLN vs OCALA WEST PORT - PREVIEW

TALLAHASSEE LINCOLN TROJANS

                                                                    vs

OCALA WEST PORT

The Ocala West Port Wolf Pack come into this game with a 3-3 record. Their offense is one that can put up a lot of points in a hurry, and are lead by a first year starter in Senior QB Daniel Guerrero. K'von Brown leads Marion County in receptions and is Guerrero's favorite target. WRs Marvin Wilkerson and Antonio Mathis are highly involved in the passing game, while RBs Antonio Mathis and Alphonso Randolph lead the ground game. The Wolf Pack love to try to get the ball to the edge, and will use screen plays and quick passes to the flat to do it. They rely on their opponents missing tackles in the open field against their quick receivers and running backs. When opponents cheat up, they will try to go over the top, however, if you can get to their QB early you can slow the offense down considerably.

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans travel into Ocala on a roll offensively. In the last four games they have put 216 points on the board (62, 52, 48, 54). Lincoln is lead by Senior QB Ronald Butler who has completed 65% of his passes so far with 19 TDs, and only 2 interceptions. His favorite target is Senior Raphael Andrades who has caught 10 TDs this season, and on the ground Lincoln is lead by DJ Abnar who last week ran for 278 yards and 5 TDs. The Trojans are also a team that is bruised up pretty good. James Hearns, Joshua Gilmore, Connor Sabolic, Andy Wiggins, Carson Combs, and Myles Gaines all sat out last week. Reggie Davis, Andrades and others have ankle, knee, and other ailments that may slow Lincoln down this week.

LINCOLN VS LEON: A TALLAHASSEE RIVALRY FOREVER

WR- Raph Andrades & RB - DJ Abnar       photo by Jack Turner

When the evening started, the skeptics did not give Leon a chance. Leon was missing some very key players due to an earlier situation with Middleburg High School. However, many had no idea that Lincoln would be missing a few players of their own. Out nursing injuries were four defensive starters: LB James Hearns, DL Joshua Gilmore, LB Carson Combs and DL Andy Wiggins. On the offensive side: starter OL/TE Connor Sabolic, and WR Myles Gaines, both integral part of team as well. Other players played through minor injuries, or through pain.

After Leon muffed the opening kickoff, Lincoln recovered the ball at the 21 yard line and took full advantage it. Lincoln scored on it's first play from scrimmage when Ronald Butler connected with his favorite target Raphael Andrades for a touchdown with only :11 seconds gone off of the clock. Many thought that the rout was on, but a crafty Bill Ragans wouldn't hear anything of it. With a top area running back in his backfield (Tim Longmire), Coach Ragans would rely on the legs of his QB Taylor Scott to drive the team down field, and then Scott would connect with TE Griffin Westscott for a 17 yd TD and the lead 7-6 as Lincoln had missed the PAT. Lincoln would score again, but this time on the ground. A 74 yard scamper by D.J. Abnar would give Lincoln the lead for good. Abnar would score two more TDs before the half, making the score 26-7. In the 3rd quarter, momentum would jump on Leon's side. After Abnar score his 4th TD of the night, Leon would score 3 quick TDs to make the game interesting. Leon hoping that their luck would continue, tried an onside kick, but Sophomore LB Jeff Williams would catch the ball on the hop, and race 53 yards for a touchdown. That ended any hope of an upset. Lincoln had an answer for everything that Leon had & that answer was RB D.J. Abnar. In all Abnar rushed 22 times for 278 yards and 5 TDs. Senior Raphael Andrades added 5 catches for 152 yards and 2 TDs.

LINCOLN TROJANS DESTROYS GAINESVILLE BUCHHOLZ

If you blinked, you missed it, as the Lincoln Trojans made quick work of the Gainesville Buchholz Bobcats. On the first possession, Lincoln ran two plays and scored on a 60 yard pass from Ronald Butler to Myron Mebane making the score 6-0 after the kick failed. On the ensuing possession, Butler and Mebane hooked up again for the second score of the game, and the rout was on. DJ Abnar would run one in on the on the third possession, just before Butler would hook up with his favorite target Raphael Andrades, for a 5 yard score. Reggie Davis would add to the fun with a score from Butler, and Andrades would close out the perfect first half with a 22 yards grab. The Trojans scored everytime that they touched the ball in the first half, Butler was 11 for 11, with 182 yards & a game tying record 5 TDs in the first half.

At the half, the 1999 and 2001 Championship teams were honored including some key administrators like then principal, Martha Bunche and key players like Mike Gilliam who still holds records for rushing at Lincoln.

Buchholz hosts Gainesville next week, while Lincoln goes up against cross town rival Leon.

LINCOLN TROJANS vs GAINESVILLE BUCHHOLZ - PREVIEW

TALLAHASSEE LINCOLN TROJANS

                                                                   vs

GAINESVILLE BUCHHOLZ

The Gainesville Buchholz Bobcats come into this game improving week by week. After starting the season with a lot of key players sitting out due to injury, this team is getting better and better. Last week they had three of those key players back in action, and this week the Bobcats get two more. However, this team has relied on their Mr. Everything back (#3) Tony James. James is their leading rusher, leading receiver, and if he has to sell popcorn he'll be the leader at that. The team is young with only nine Seniors on the roster, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come, but don't go to sleep on them this year because the Bobcats are up and coming.

The Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans come off of a two game stretch in which their starters only got to play the first halves due to lopsided victories. In the last four quarters, however, the Trojan starters have outscored their opponents 104-0 and have been led by Senior QB Ronald Butler who was 25 for 36 for 336 yards with 8 TDs and just 1 interception over those four quarters. With the offense starting to click, and the defense playing strong, look for the Trojans to continue to improve.

LINCOLN vs RICKARDS - PREVIEW

LINCOLN TROJANS

vs

RICKARDS RAIDERS

The Rickards Raiders come into this game trying to find their identity. Legendary coach Rudy Hubbard has this team heading in the right direction after a rough start. After having a tough time in their first two games offensively, Rickards found a way to get into the end zone against a very tough Florida High team. Special teams was a spark for the Raiders last week, however that is an area that the Lincoln Trojans take pride in. The Raiders are massive up front, and athletic in the skill positions which typically is a formula for success, and this team is not far off from reaching some success soon. Rickards keys to the game: dominate the line of scrimmage, minimize mental errors & penalties, put points on the board.

For the Lincoln Trojans things are a little different. Lincoln comes in looking very good after the scare against Florida High. A re-focused Lincoln team won in a 62-7 lopsided victory against Chiles last week. The Trojans can get off to a good start against Rickards if the team doesn't look ahead to next week, or look back at their previous performance. This years teams has talent and speed everywhere. Lincoln keys to the game: remain focused, balanced offensive attack, defenseively don't give up the big play.

TROJAN LIGHT SHINES ON **JOSHUA GILMORE**

Joshua Gilmore is a 5'11" 220 pound Full Back, Linebacker, Defensive Lineman and sometimes he's even been called an Offensive Lineman. He works tirelessly at whatever he does and that makes him one of my favorite Trojan unsung heroes. Gillie never complains, never looks for glory, never showboats. He simply comes to "work", lays down the law, and goes home. In  the game against Pensacola, earlier this season, Gilmore had 3 sacks and several tackles for loss. At the end of the night, when you try to think back at his performance is when you realize, WOW! Gilmore was everywhere tonight. I compare it to watching a great basketball player. At the end of the game you look up to find out that he scored 39 points and it didn't seem like it. Gilmore is a Wrestler on the Lincoln team and also participates on the Weight Lifting and Track and Field team. The stat that I love to hear a kid quote the most is his G.P.A., especially when they use the term "Un-weighted" and Gilmore's sits at a 3.2. He recently took the ACT so that score will be updated soon.

LINCOLN WINS BIG

Lincoln faces off against Chiles

Lincoln came in to this game needing to get back on track after a loss two weeks ago, and a come from behind victory last week. The Trojans did it in a big way. Led again by their Senior crew of Ronald Butler, who threw for 4 touchdowns; D.J. Abnar, who ran for another 3 TDs; and Raphael Andrades, who caught 2 of those Butler TDs, Lincoln routed Chiles on their way to a 55-0 half. Yes, half. The Trojans were hitting on all cylinders. The defense was ferocious, the offense had everything working. Even when passes were incomplete the play had worked, it was just that the QB & WR did not connect. Abnar ran hard. The Offensive Line did their job. The "D" wouldn't give Chiles a chance. Unofficially for the game, Butler finished 14 for 19, 184 yards and 4 touchdowns; Abnar 11 carries for 88 yards and 3 TDs, Andrades 5 catches, 48 yards & 2 TDs. Myles Gaines had his first score of the season (10 yd TD), James McRoy would also score on a reception. Reggie Davis added a rushing TD all in the first half. The Trojans would go on to win 62-7. The big bright spot for Chiles... Tres Penny. Tres Penny threw darts all night long, despite a couple of interceptions late in the game Penny was on target all night. Receivers some how just could not hang on to make the catch. Lincoln faces Rickards next week, while Chiles travels to Ocala to face Lake Weir.

LINCOLN vs CHILES - PREVIEW

                                                         LINCOLN TROJANS

                                                                         vs

                                                     CHILES TIMBERWOLVES


The Chiles Timberwolves come in to this season trying to rebound from a tough 2010. At Quarterback they are starting Senior Tres Penny, who I thought should of gotten more playing time last season. First year head coach Mike Lassiter has had his worked cut out for him from the second that he accepted the position. Chiles lost a few players to graduation and others to transfers, but Lassiter has worked his player hard, and they have bought into his system. Chiles opened the season with 23-0 victory over Rickards High School. They come into this game 1-2, but they have not gone down without giving it their all.

The Lincoln Trojans come in to this game trying make adjustments. Last season, it was the adjustments made for the Chiles game that propelled the Trojans on to win the Class 4A State Championship. Lincoln has come out a bit slow in each of it's first three ball games. I would like to see the Trojans run "No Huddle" for the first and maybe the second series of the game to get the offense started early. The excitment of an early score will also generate energy and momentum for the "D". Lincoln also needs to rely on a balanced attack, and in some cases go to air a little more and take advantage of one of their team strengths... the passing game. This is a District game, so it is very important for both teams to come out strong.

A TALE OF TWO HALVES (LINCOLN vs FL HIGH) - RECAP

Ronald Butler and Raphael Andrades hooked up regularly to pull
out a victory against Florida High Friday night at Lincoln Trojan Field.



Lincoln came into this game with every reason to play well. They had just lost their National Ranking after losing last week. They were playing for the first time in their brand new green Nike uniforms. They had just lost a Lincoln icon (Jimmy Everett), who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) in 2009, and had just passed away the night before. And they were playing on their own home High School field for the first time since 2002 which is surrounded by the Jimmy Everett Track. With motivation coming at them from every possible direction, the team still managed to come out flat. Passionless. Unfocused. Florida High on the other hand came in undefeated (2-0) and came to play as though they wanted to stay that way. After the ball exchanged hands a couple of times Florida High forced the first turnover of the game when Leitaras Stokes forced a fumble that was recovered by the Seminoles. With great field position FL High would punch it in to take an early 7-0 lead. A couple of exchanges later Florida High would punt the ball away to Lincoln, as the ball was being returned there was another fumble by Lincoln. The ball bounced perfectly in to hands of Austin Logan who returned the fumble for the second score of the game and a 14-0 lead. To say that the Lincoln crowd was stunned would be a terrible understatement. Lincoln finally answered the bell when Ronald Butler hooked up with Raphael Andrades on a short 5 yard pass. Andrades made one move, and raced the rest of the way for a 66 yard score to make it 14-7 with a little over a minute left in the half. The Seminoles would not go away easy. After a good return put them in great field position, FL High would connect on a strike from about 30 yards out to go into the lockerroom up 21-7.

The second half would prove to be more of what most people, except for Florida High, expected. Interestingly enough, according to the players the lockerroom at halftime was not full of yelling and screaming by Head Coach Yusuf Shakir. They said that he hardly said anything at all. The Senior leaders like Ronald Butler and Eric Childs spoke to the team, and they came out with a renewed sense of purpose. Lincoln then took the opening two drives down field for scores set up by the passing game tying up the score 21-21. The Seminoles would struggle on offense going 3 and out on several occassions in the second half, while Lincoln would convert on crucial third and sometimes fourth downs to keep drives alive. Lincoln even committed a Cardinal sin... on fourth down they lined up and made a field goal, however, a running into the kicker penalty would shorten the distance on the fourth down. The Trojans took points off of the board to go for it on fourth down, they converted and later punched it in. Later in the fourth, Lincoln running back DJ Abnar would almost seal the deal with his second score of the night, but the extra point was blocked leaving the door open for the Seminoles. Finally, trying to stay alive on 4th and 1 the Seminoles handed the ball off to their running back, but Eric Childs would get penetration and stop him dead in his tracks for a two yard loss to close the door on the Seminoles. Lincoln won the second half 20-0 and was led by Abnar finished who with 18 carries for 143 yards and 2 TDs, Butler 17-of-25 for 278 and 1 TD, Andrades 7 catches 194 yards and 1 TD, while FL High got 73 yards on 20 carries from Ke'Sean Lewis.