November 19, 2010
Lincoln at Dayton
Ronald Butler and the Lions play their second-straight road playoff game tomorrow.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
North 2, Group I
Lincoln (8-2) at Dayton (9-1)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
To Lincoln head coach Robert Hampton, last week’s 36-19 victory over Glen Ridge was like “getting an elephant off our backs.” After going 29 years without a playoff win, including first round losses at home the previous two years it would be an understandable feeling.
Despite that win, the work of the sixth-seeded Lions is far from finished as they travel to Springfield to face a short-handed, yet dangerous Dayton squad. The Bulldogs are winners of nine in a row, but will be without QB Anthony Cioffi due to a broken bone in his right hand.
With 26 seniors on the roster Lincoln wants to continue to make history and bring the Jersey City school its first state title since 1981.
Players to Watch for Dayton
QB/RB Skyler Apicella
Even without their starting quarterback, Dayton is hardly an easy out, thanks in large part to this senior taking over at the position. Apicella, who has been a running back for the Bulldogs, shredded a Belvidere defense for 178 yards and a touchdown in the first round of the playoffs.
RB/WR Aaron Williams
Whether it is as a runner or a receiver, Williams has been a threat for opposing defenses. He had both a rushing and a receiving touchdown in recent wins over North Warren and Pingry. For the year the 6’2” 195-pound Williams has four receiving touchdowns and three rushing scores.
Players to Watch for Lincoln
QB/CB Ronald Butler
One of the most electrifying players in Hudson County, Butler has shown the ability to torch a defense with his arm or legs. The senior rushed for two first-half touchdowns, one from 61 yards to spearhead the Lions’ playoff win over Glen Ridge. Butler eclipsed the 200-yard mark in rushing and passing in a 42-18 win over Hoboken.
RB/LB Tyron Stevens
Few backs in the area run with the physical style of Stevens. The senior has rushed for more than 1,300 yards this season and has 20 touchdowns. His biggest performance came last week against Glen Ridge when he carried the ball 26 times and racked up 161 yards. A career 3,000-yard rusher, Stevens takes that physical nature to the defensive side as a dangerous blitzer who also make a few key breakups in pass coverage.