The Lincoln football team had a tremendous season again this year, reaching the second round in the OSAA playoffs.

But the Cards ended their season with a loss to sixth-ranked Sheldon 38-28on Nov. 11 in Eugene.

Last year, Lincoln went undefeated until the quarterfinals of the playoffs where it  lost to Sherwood. This year, the team won the PIL,  being unbeaten in league play.

Their overall record going into the playoffs was 8-1, with only one tight loss on the road to Lake Oswego 7-0 to begin the year. After that, the team won seven games in a row including a win at home against Issaquah, Washington,  40-17 and beating Madison for the PIL Championship 40-17.  

The team going into this year felt pretty confident in winning their conference and making it back to the playoffs. However, it  faced a lot of setbacks during the season including senior running back Ben Hoge.

Hoge went down in the Crosstown Clash game against Grant. When he tore his ACL it was a major turning point in the season. Fortunately it was at the end of the season, but it wasn’t what the team needed going into the playoffs.

Hoge, however, didn’t stop fighting, he came to every game and cheered on his teammates.

The team lost a lot of seniors last year, but has  been able to bounce back pretty easily. The team was led by senior quarterback Chris Burns as well as linebackers seniors Sam Paris, Brandon Leitgeb and Joe Fishman.

Lincoln was ranked No. 11 going into the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, the Cards hosted 22nd-ranked Reynolds and won 41-19 at home. Lincoln then advanced to the second round of the playoffs and played #6 Sheldon from Eugene.

Going into the game, Lincoln knew it was going to be tough if they were going to knock Sheldon. Junior offensive lineman Jackson Lee put it as “The fact that we were underdogs being ranked 11th and a very young team, motivate[d] us even more.”

Lincoln  has now become a powerhouse in the state and especially in the PIL and has a lot to look forward to.  

“This team is made up of mostly juniors and seniors but we have some new up and comers,” said junior offensive lineman Jackson Lee. Those include  sophomore lineman Harrison Thomas, and sophomore running backs Jackson Jones and Nick Ostmo.

Much of this has to due with head football coach Russ Warren.

Coach Warren came to Lincoln High school two years ago and immediately has turned this team around from a losing team to a winning team.

“Coach really prepares us and is a freak when it comes to film,” says Lee, which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Looking to next year, Lincoln should be tough with a strong offensive and defensive line and with Jackson Jones and Nick Ostmo breaking tackles on the field. Lincoln fans should be excited about the future of their team.