Kristina Lloyd – Lincoln seniors Jordan Povis (74) and Jacques Wadsworth (71) bring down the Lake Mead offense during the Lynx 32-0 win last Thursday.
Last Thursday, the Lincoln County High School football team shut out Lake Mead High School 32-0 in Panaca.
The Lynx defense is dominating, having shut down offenses two straight games. Coach Rich Ottley was preparing his run defense over the week. Lake Mead has a strong run game, hardly ever passing the ball. This was an adjustment, after playing a completely opposite Agassi Prep squad that hardly ever ran.
The first quarter began on a high note, as senior Cody Thornock returned the opening kickoff 40 yards. However, the Lynx couldn’t capitalize. As Lake Mead took a turn on offense, they tried to catch Lincoln off-guard with a pass. But senior Zack Florence wasn’t fooled. He saw that pass leave the quarterback’s fingers and rushed to intercept the ball. The ball fell perfectly into his hands ,and he took off the other direction running it in for six points, and the extra point gave Lincoln a 7-0 lead.
Lake Mead had some success moving the ball with their run game, but Lincoln ultimately was able prevent them from getting in the red zone. Later in the first quarter, Thornock found junior Landon Smith in the middle of the field for a 70-yard touchdown reception.
Lake Mead had possession of the ball in most of the second quarter, and made a few stops of their own, holding Lincoln scoreless in the quarter. But the Lynx defense was just too strong to break.
Ottley said to his team at halftime, “We need to cut back on the mistakes on offense. Too many fumbles in the first half.” Leaving the locker room, Ottley said he is confident in his team, and that they will win.
The Lynx score early in the second half, adding to their lead.
Nearing the end of the game the Lynx tried for a touchdown but can’t quite get it; they turned the ball over to Lake Mead with the whole field to go.
Late in the game, a bad snap on a punt attempt led to Lincoln senior Jacques Wadsworth blocking the punt right out of the air. The ball flew behind the kicker and right into Kevin Mathews’ sights. Mathews swiped it up and ran it in for a touchdown.
With back-to-back shutouts, the team is feeling confident heading into tonight’s home game against The Meadows. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Ottley is hoping to cut down on the offensive mistakes and keep the defense strong.
The Meadows is 3-1 overall and 2-0 in league play. Needles (5-0, 2-0) and Lincoln (3-0, 2-0) are on top of the league at the moment. No other teams have won a league game.
Next Friday the Lynx travel to Laughlin (2-3, 0-2) for a 7 p.m game.
