Kristina Lloyd
Lincoln County sophomores Noah Smith (24) and Kamdon Lewis (30) take down the ball carrier during the state semifinals in Panaca. The Lynx lost 28-8.
The Lincoln County High School Football lost their first game of the season. Unfortunately, there is no next week.
For the second year in a row, Lincoln’s quest for a state title was ended by Yerington. Last year, it was in the state finals. This year the Lynx fell to the Lions in the semifinals 28-8 at Panaca. Yerington moves on to the championship game against an undefeated Pershing County Mustangs, who defeated Needles in the other semifinal matchup 44-28.
The title game is tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Las Vegas.
Despite the tough loss, Lincoln County impressed all season. With the exception of Needles and Yerington, the Lynx beat every opponent by 20-plus points. The team’s defense was stellar, as it recorded four shutouts during the year.
The D continued that trend in the first quarter of this game, holding Yerington scoreless. However, the Lynx offense couldn’t get anything going either, and the first quarter ended with no scores.
In the second quarter, Yerington scored early on a three-yard run and converted a two-point try. The Lions took an 8-0 into halftime.
In the third quarter, Yerington scored on a 95-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.
In the fourth, the Lions brought the hammer down with two more touchdowns to put the game out of reach.
Lincoln was able to put a drive together midway through the fourth, fighting its way down field, and Cody Thornock connected with Zach Rowe for a touchdown. The Lynx added a two-point conversion.
For the game, Thornock rushed for 73 yards and averaged six yards per carry. He also completed 5 of 10 passes for 54 yards. Landon Smith and Zach Rowe combined for 72 rushing yards.
The team will lose seven seniors this year. However, the teams has talent returning and will be in the hunt again next year.
