Hours after Lincoln Prep’s 20-8 Week 3 loss to University Academy, first-year head coach William Lowe was a man of few words.
The Blue Tigers were in an old-fashioned slug fest with the host Gryphons, with both teams flying around on defense delivering big hits and creating timely stops.
Both teams went into halftime of Saturday’s game with just 8 points on the board, but a second-half blunder on special teams and a stagnant offense doomed the Blue Tigers, who fell to 0-3 on the season.
Lowe tipped his hat to his players but gave proper due to the Gryphons, who improved to 3-0 on the season.
“Our kids played extremely hard and the defense played very well,” Lowe said after having time to reflect on being shut out in the second-half. “UA has a great team and will win a lot of games this year.”
It didn’t take long for the Gryphons to take control of the game in the second half.
The tide turned early in the third quarter when a blocked punt by Damien Ross was scooped up by DeAngelo Harley and returned 30 yards for a touchdown and a six-point lead.
The slug fest continued until Ross iced it with a 35-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jaylin Whitelaw with 3 minutes, 21 seconds left in the game.
Despite the setback, Lowe was anxious to get back to work. He took the blame for the second-half shutout.
“We have a very young team and I told the kids after the game that I will take the blame for the loss for not finding a way to get us in the end zone,” he said.
Lincoln Prep will take on Missouri Class 3 independent Pembroke Hill (2-1) Friday at Interscholastic League Stadium.
University Academy will host Lenexa-based home school Christ Prep Academy (1-0) on Saturday.
