Tigers’ turnaround may be for real

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When Albert Carrillo was hired as football coach at Lincoln five years ago, he was truly excited. He and brother (and co-coach) Jesse played football at and graduated from Lincoln -- Jesse in 1969, Albert in 1972 -- and were a successful coaching tandem at Cathedral City and Murphy. Now they were back home, ready to work some magic with the Tigers.

By the third year, however, Albert was discouraged. Not only was the 2005 season a disaster at 2-8, he wasn’t sure that anyone at Lincoln cared about football -- and that included the players.

‘There was a growing tradition that no one put a lot of effort into the football program,’ Albert said. ‘We were struggling to break that tradition, to change the culture.’

And a change appears to be taking place.

The 2005 and 2006 frosh-soph teams each won Northern League titles, giving those players a taste of winning. The returning players from the 2005 varsity team told the Carrillos they were tired of losing, promised to work harder on off-season conditioning and in the classroom to maintain eligibility.

The turnaround started last year when Lincoln finished 4-6 but qualified for the playoffs. Although the Tigers lost to Verdugo Hills in the first round, it was their first postseason appearence since 1998.

This season, Lincoln is 3-1 and has won three straight going into Friday’s game against Los Angeles. Albert is hoping for a a return to the playoffs and at least a .500 record.

For a change he’s not the only one who believes it is possible.

‘This year we have talent at a lot of positions,’ he said. ‘No one player stands out. It has been a group effort. Even kids who might have not been academically eligible before are staying eligible now because they want to be part of this.

‘The Northern League is one of the toughest in the Invitational [bracket]. But this year there is no doubt in the kids’ minds they can do it. They have rebuilt my faith in Lincoln football.’

- Mike Terry