Summary
North Star defeats Lincoln High 9-7.
Lincoln North Star defeated Lincoln High 9-7 on Friday, Sept. 30. It was a defensive battle, but a strong passing performance from North Star quarterback DJ Athouris, who completed 13-of-17 passes for 172 yards.
It was a slow start between Lincoln High and North Star. The Links’ defensive unit highlighted the scoreless first quarter. Lincoln High’s Omarion Weaver rushed his way into the backfield for a sack.
The second quarter saw more defensive stops. After a trip to the redzone, North Star was unable to convert on a 37-yard field goal.
Julian Babahanov rushed up the middle on a fourth-and-1 for the Links to kickstart the lone scoring drive of the first half. Quarterback Adonis Hutchinson would cap the drive off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown with 2:45 remaining, putting the Links ahead 7-0.
On the opening drive of the second half, Hutchinson threw an interception of his own to the Gators’ defensive back Braeden Sunken.
Midway through the third quarter, Athouris struck Dylan Hallett over the middle for a 22-yard North Star touchdown. Tra’Maine Lister failed the two-point conversion attempt and Lincoln High maintained a 7-6 lead.
Hutchinson found himself scrambling multiple times on the ensuing drive. A pair of offsetting penalties by the Links called back a 30-yard rush by Hutchinson on third-and-29.
The Gators would take advantage of strong field position, driving downfield and setting up a Nick Rorabaugh 27-yard field goal. Rorabaugh’s kick with 2:45 to play would be the eventual game-winner to put North Star on top 9-7.
“We knew it was going to be a dog fight and we had to be in it for all four quarters,” North Star Head Coach James Thompson said.
Thompson praised the Gators’ determination despite several penalties from both teams.
“We need to make sure we can take care of what we need to do, and that is our effort and our attitude,” Thompson said.
With the win, North Star moves to 3-3 on the season and will play Norfolk on Friday, Oct. 7. The Gators are now 1-1 in Class A District 1.
Lincoln High falls to 3-3 for the year, the Links are scheduled to play Lincoln East on Thursday, Oct. 6. Lincoln High is 0-1 in Class A District 1 play after the loss.
