Football Preview: Lincoln Fighting Zebras vs. Wheatland Pirates
Lincoln is 4-0 against Wheatland since September of 2014, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Lincoln Fighting Zebras will look to defend their home field against the Wheatland Pirates at 7:15 p.m. Both teams are still undefeated after four-games, but that won't be the case come Friday.
Lincoln is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They claimed a resounding 63-0 win over Mira Loma on the road. While the Fighting Zebras didn't have the best season last year (they finished 1-9), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Lincoln got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Eli Duff out in front who threw for 124 yards and four touchdowns on perfect 7-for-7 passing, and also rushed for 31 yards. Devin Davis was another key back, rushing for 122 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries.
Another reason for the win was Lincoln's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for five sacks. Leading the way was Hunter Johnson with 2.5. Another thorn in Mira Loma's side was Brayden Bertozzi, who picked up 1.5 sacks and made seven total tackles (2.5 for loss).
While Wheatland didn't have the best season last year (they finished 3-7), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They blew past Bear River 27-7 on Friday. The Pirates might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three contests by 20 points or more this season.
The critical scores for Wheatland came from Joseph Franklin, Jordan James, and James.
Wheatland wouldn't let Bear River keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. Wheatland can thank James and Konley Cova for forcing all of them. Cova also set a new season high mark in rushing yards with 91. Isaac Martin was another major factor on D, picking up 0.5 sacks, making nine total tackles (2.0 for loss), and making nine total tackles (2.0 for loss) in addition to snagging an interception.
Wheatland was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 205 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 196 rushing yards in three consecutive matches.
Lincoln's win bumped their record up to 4-0. As for Wheatland, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 4-0.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Lincoln has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 242 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Wheatland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 192.8. It's looking like Friday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything went Lincoln's way against Wheatland in their previous matchup back in September of 2017, as Lincoln made off with a 36-12 win. Does Lincoln have another victory up their sleeve, or will Wheatland turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
