Lincoln derails New Utrecht to advance to semi-finals

BY JIM DOLAN

Lincoln 39, New Utrecht 8

“This was more than just a game for both teams,” stated Lincoln Head Coach Shawn O’Connor about Saturday, November 16th’s PSAL quarterfinals game. With both football teams being very familiar with each other from summer practices, an earlier season game and social media, this was a much-anticipated competitive match up for neighborhood bragging rights according to O’Connor.

But once the whistle blew, the first seeded (10-0) Lincoln Railsplitters quickly turned the game into a “David and Goliath” rout of the eighth seeded (7-3) New Utrecht Utes.

Beginning from their second offensive series, host Lincoln scored on a 46-yard Leroy Hancle run, followed by Carlos Stewart’s score on a 47-yard screen pass to end the first quarter, 14-0.

Answering back for New Utrecht, Jaleel Brown brought the ball down to the two-yard line on multiple carries, until the Lincoln defense set the tone for the rest of the game, denying the Utes a score on four downs.

Lincoln continued its scoring jaunt on two more explosive plays as Jevon Moore found Luis Rodriquez on a 78-yard pass play and Antoine Holloman, Jr. swept down the sideline for a 76-yard score.

Nearing the end of the first half, New Utrecht turned over the ball on an interception as Ute quarterback Richard Wright threw into the arms of Lincoln safety Jashi Meade.

The Railsplitters immediately capitalized on the interception, as Moore once again hooked up with Stewart, this time for a 24-yard touchdown pass to put Lincoln up impressively by the half, 33-0.

Continuing to pick apart the Utes’ defense, Moore again found Rodriquez in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass that decidedly put Lincoln ahead 39-0 midway in the third quarter. Undaunted, the Utes broke up the Railsplitters’ shutout as Jonathan Triguero outran the Lincoln defense on a 60-yard score.

“We’re in the final four, baby,” shouted Railsplitter team leader Jashi Moore to his teammates who gathered in the end zone for their post game address from Coach O’Connor.

With no mention of the goal at the end of the season, a chance to play for the PSAL championship on December 10 at Yankee Stadium, O’Connor kept the team focused on its next game, reminding his Railsplitters to finish strong at their home field for the outgoing seniors next week.

Next Saturday, November 23, first seeded 11-0 Lincoln hosts fourth seeded 9-2 Flushing in the semi-final round of the PSAL playoffs, while second seeded 10-1 Erasmus Hall hosts third seeded 9-2 Tottenville.

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