Lincoln Junior High 2014 Preview

LINCOLN -- Bolstered by an influx of eighth graders and returning freshman, the 2014 Lincoln junior high football squad looks for success.

Last season's seventh graders went undefeated in the 4A-1 compiling an 8-1 record overall, losing only to Stilwell, Okla. Eighth graders and have a strong runningback in Caleb Lloyd, who rumbled 70 yards for a touchdown in the 2013 season finale, 22-6, win over Farmington.

By contrast the 2013 Lincoln junior high squad finished 4-6 overall and 3-4 in league play. First year head coach Scott Davenport is hoping the blend of returning players combined with a good group of eighth graders will prove to be a successful mix for the Wolves in 2014.

Lincoln has some size among their linemen with freshman Thomas Yiamkis, 5-10, 236 pounds; along with Sebastian Gunner, 5-11, 238 pounds; and James Watkins, 5-11, 223 pounds.

Also playing are Blake Moran, 5-5. 148 pounds; Dominic Harris, 5-8, 177 pounds; Bradley Drain, 5-7, 167 pounds; Christian Crittenden, 5-6, 170 pounds; freshman Dillon King, 6-0, 166 pounds; Chris Henderson, 5-7, 169 pounds; freshman Zach Duncan, 6-0, 183 pounds; and Rogelio Cardenas, 5-4, 171 pounds.

If this group can consistently open holes, Lloyd, 5-10, 176 pounds, will gain yardage and the Wolves may be able to dictate the game against opponents, who have trouble stopping the run.

Inspired by his older brother, Ryan, who graduated in 2014, eighth grader Soggie Holcomb, 5-7, 158 pounds, has devoted himself in the weight room and gained 15 pounds while increasing his strength. From a physical standpoint, he won't be so overmatched as he was during his seventh grade year.

Among Lincoln's offensive weapons is Justin Nickles, 5-9, 161 pounds, a playmaker from the wide receiver slot, who last year occasionally lined up in the backfield. The Wolves may again seek to capitalize upon his versatility.

Lincoln will play U.S. 62 rival, Prairie Grove, twice this season in junior high action. The Wolves are the road team in a non-conference game on Sept. 11, then conclude the season at home against the Junior Tigers on Nov. 6. The outcome of those two games may go a long way in determining where the Junior Wolves finish in the 2014 4A-1 Conference standings come November.

Lincoln opens their season Sept. 4, at Westville, Okla., then after taking on Prairie Grove Sept. 11 comes back home on Sept. 18 to entertain Cedarville.

The Junior Wolves will face a pair of new opponents in the league this year, playing at home against Huntsville on Oct. 16 before traveling to Springdale on Oct. 23 to face Shiloh Christian with both of those schools moving down from 5A.

Sports on 08/27/2014