Four years ago, Lincoln College Prep simply could not hang with the big dogs. The Maryville Spoofhounds, a perennial state power, were too big, too skilled and too deep for an up-and-coming program that has in the last few seasons emerged as one to watch.
Still, a good run over the course of three seasons means nothing. The Blue Tigers have yet to beat the Spoofhounds. On Friday, Lincoln will get another shot. The Week 7 tilt is a matchup between a burgeoning city power and an established program that is the pride of northwest Missouri.
Buckle up. The game is shaping up as one of the biggest of the year. Spectrum will air the contest. A raucous crowd is expected despite a ban of in-stadium seating.
“This is a full circle game for us,” Lincoln head coach William Lowe said.
Lowe took over the Blue Tigers’ program in 2017. Maryville captured its fifth state championship that same year.
“My first year as head coach we took a group of about 30 up to Maryville for a first-round playoff game,” he said. “Our seniors were freshmen then and a lot of them played. We were down 63-0 at half and it was so bad that I contemplated calling it at half.
“Now, in 2020, we’re playing Maryville in a game that will be televised because people think it will be a competitive game. That is a testament to our kids.”
Lincoln, 4-1 overall on the season, is the fifth-ranked Class 4 team in Missouri. Maryville is an uncharacteristic 3-3 and unranked in Class 3.
“As far as Maryville, they are a state power for a reason,” Lowe said. “Very physical, well coached, and just have a tradition of winning. And they have a very good team again this season.”
East seek consecutive wins
East finally broke through in Week 6, claiming a 30-22 victory over Interscholastic League mate Kansas City Central.
The win was the first for East, 1-5 overall, and 1-2 in league play. Central dropped to 1-5 and 1-2 in the IL.
Chris Thornton and Deion Miles continued their stellar play this season.
Thornton, a converted wide receiver, passed for 111 yards with a touchdown and also rushed for 109 yards with two touchdowns.
Miles carried the ball 35 times for 193 yards with a touchdown.
The Bears’ defense gave up six points in the second half after both teams were tied at halftime.
“It was a good win,” Bears head coach Greg Smith said. “The team put four quarters together and played hard all game. That has been my message to the team all year.”