Lincoln

2009 football preview

Encore performance?

Aziz Wright Lincoln

Linebacker Aziz Wright and the Lions seek a return to the state playoffs.

Click Here for more photos from Lincoln's football practice.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY – A year ago, Lincoln was one of the feel-good stories of the football season, winning six games and making the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. But in the eyes of head coach Robert Hampton the bigger challenge comes now as they prove last year was not a fluke.

“Our motto is ‘not a fluke,’” Hampton said. “We have to live up to our own expectations. We can’t be a one hit wonder.”

The Lions return most of their skilled-position players on an offense that was one of the most dynamic in Hudson County. In Hampton’s eyes the key will be an offensive line that features four new starters. If this line comes together, a sectional title may be in reach.

Offensive Overview:

Jeremiah Pequerro Lincoln

Freshman tackle Jeremiah Pequero is one of four new starters on the offensive line.

Last year the Lions had a knack for the big play thanks in large part to their three-quarterback rotation. Two of those of three are back for 2009, led by senior Lamar McKnight, who will be the primary signal caller this season. Junior Ronald Butler will also see time at quarterback, but the game-breaker will see most of his snaps at wide receiver.

“It gives us an advantage because when Lamar’s at quarterback I’m out catching passes and Lamar can also catch passes,” Butler said. “A defense can never scheme on us because they don’t know what to look for.”

Butler will join Darryl McKnight, Deshawn Goodwin Jose Batista and Jamicheal Torrez at receiver.

Running back Tyron Stevens is a powerful runner who rushed for 10 touchdowns a year ago. He will be joined by fullback Aziz Wright.

While most of the skill-position players will be back, senior Jermaine Myrick is the only returning offensive lineman for the Lions. Myrick moves from tackle to guard. Among the newcomers are tackles Jeremiah Pequerro and Shavell Daniels, guard Dwyane Larkin and center Paris Williams.

Defensive Overview:

Terrence Thomas Lincoln

Hard-hitting safety Terrence Thomas lives up to his nickname of "T.N.T."

Hard-hitting safety Terrence Thomas lives up to his nickname of “T.N.T.” with four sacks and 52 tackles a year ago.

“He’s a tremendous hitter and fast to ball,” Hampton said. “He’s a great athlete.”

Darryl McKnight, Lorrell Snell and Marcus Hobbs help round out the secondary. But the strength of the defense lies at linebacker with Wright, Edwin Celestin and Quwan Mack.

Myrick and Juan Johnson start at defensive end, while Sean Dickson and Matt Tutten play inside.

Star Spotlight: Ronald Butler, QB/WR

Ronald Butler Lincoln

Ronald Butler is a matchup nightmare for defenses, regardless of what position he's at.

On a team full of athletes, none are as dangerous as Butler. Whether it is running, passing or catching, there seems to be little that this 6-foot, 160-pound junior can’t do on the offensive side of the ball.

“Ronald has been nothing, but spectacular,” Hampton said. “Ronald is a tremendous athlete.”

Butler threw for five touchdowns without an interception and he rushed for a touchdown as well. But his biggest impact comes as a receiver where he caught 14 passes and recorded three touchdowns.

Which position does the offensive prefer? While Butler says he likes both, receiver is his favorite spot.

“I like receiver the most,” he said. “I like going out there and making plays.”