2-A Division : Lincoln’s Defense Stifles University City in 12-0 Win

Forget the fact that Lincoln High School has the county’s No. 2 offense. Defense is the reason the Hornets defeated University City, 12-0, Saturday night at Mira Mesa High to advance to the semifinals of the San Diego Section 2-A playoffs next Friday against El Camino.

Lincoln limited University City to 66 yards on offense--57 rushing and 9 passing--and six first downs (three by penalty).

So thorough was the Hornet defense that University City’s offense moved into Lincoln territory only twice--once on a turnover and once on a penalty.

And the Lincoln defense had to be that good because its offense, which was averaging 34 points per game, had an off night. The Hornets, who improved their record to 7-3, gained 247 yards--180 rushing--but turned the ball over seven times on five fumbles and two interceptions.

But University City, which ended its season at 6-4, couldn’t take advantage. The Centurions had three turnovers.

Lincoln scored both of its touchdowns in the first half, courtesy of University City turnovers.

Lincoln’s Willie Newton recovered Darrin Wagner’s fumble on the third play of the game at the University City 25-yard line. Four plays later, Gary Caples scored on an 8-yard run. The point after attempt missed so the Hornets’ lead remained 6-0 with 8:25 left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Newton recovered another Wagner fumble, this time at the University City 37. Lincoln scored three plays later when Malcolm Glover hit Patrick Rowe on a 35-yard touchdown pass to make it 12-0 with 10:46 left in the first half.

On their next possession, the Hornets used 12 running plays to drive 78 yards. But they lost the ball on the 13th play when Horace Tucker fumbled and University City’s Paul MacRenato recovered at the Centurion 2-yard line.

In the third quarter, Glover fumbled the snap on the second play from scrimmage and MacRenato, who had two fumble recoveries and an interception, recovered for University City at the Lincoln 41. However, the Centurions turned the ball over on downs three plays later at the Hornet 33.

The Centurions’ best scoring opportunity came in the fourth quarter when they moved from their 40 to the Lincoln 6 before again losing the ball on downs.

Tucker was Lincoln’s leading ball carrier with 72 yards on 13 carries. Kevin Key gained 62 yards on 13 attempts.