The challenge for Lincoln Prep in its Week 3 contest against Interscholastic League brethren Northeast was to remain focus.
The Blue Tigers, 3-0 overall on the season and 2-0 in the IL, answered the test quite admirably in a 67-0 rout.
“We executed in all phases and challenged our kids to stay focused and they responded,” Lincoln Prep head coach William Lowe said. “We picked up the tempo in practice a bit and it helped.”
The next trial for Lincoln: Taking on undefeated and Kansas 5A school Washington High (2-0) in a Week 4 contest on the road in Kansas City, Kansas.
Washington has knocked off Atchison (0-2) and Harmon (0-1) to begin the season. The Blue Tigers dominated the Wildcats 52-29 last season. That game was played in the friendly confines of IL Stadium, however.
Friday’s game promises to have a festive feel to it. Washington is celebrating Homecoming this week.
“It’s always exciting to play someone outside the league, especially a Kansas team,” Lowe said. “It’s their Homecoming so we’re expecting a great atmosphere and we’re looking forward to it.”
In other IL news, East is off to a struggling 0-3 start after its Week 3 defeat at the hands of Hogan Prep. The Bears took Van Horn to overtime in a 1-point Week 1 loss and lost to Cameron 34-21 in Week 2.
One bright spot for East has been the play of wide receiver/defensive back Chris Thornton. Thornton, the IL’s reigning Player of the Week, snagged three interceptions against Hogan Prep, returning one for a touchdown.
The INTs were Thornton’s fourth, fifth and sixth of the season. The pick-6 was his second return for a touchdown through three weeks.
The Bears’ junior has been steady in defeat but nabbing the team’s first win is his only concern.
Penalties and turnovers have prevented the Bear from tasting victory so far this season, Thornton said.
“I think if we work on that in practice, we’ll work on getting our first W,” he said.
East will take on Oak Grove (1-2) in Week 4. The Bears are the only IL team that has not played a league game.
Winless Northeast (0-3, 0-2) will host Harmon (1-1) in Week 4 action, and Southeast (0-3, 0-1) will take on Hogan (1-2).
Central, the only IL team with a win aside from Lincoln Prep, will try to rebound from last week’s 49-12 loss to Excelsior Springs (3-0). The Blue Eagles, 1-2 on the season and 1-0 in league play, will host undefeated Odessa (3-0) in Week 4.
