Ortega Helps Lead Lincoln to Victory Over Wilson

Lincoln High established itself as a title contender in the City 3-A Division Friday with a 48-21 upset over previously undefeated Wilson in a Northern Conference game at Lincoln High.

The Tigers dominated the Mules, amassing 437 yards in total offense. Wilson was held to 176 yards.

Senior quarterback Gasper Ortega led the way for Lincoln, completing 21 of 38 passes for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns went to his younger brother, sophomore Marcelo Ortega, who scored on passes of five and 24 yards.

Wilson, the Times’ fifth-ranked City team, defeated Lincoln, 56-6, last year. The Mules dropped to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Northern Conference. Lincoln, which missed the playoffs last year, improved to 5-1-1 and 3-1.

“I’m fed up with those 56-6 games,” Lincoln Coach Randy Rodriguez said. “Everyone on this team wanted to beat Wilson today. This was not only a win, though, it was a convincing win. I expected a closer game. I think they were worried about us coming into this game.”

Gasper Ortega established the passing attack early on, throwing for 127 yards and one touchdown in the first half. His five-yard touchdown pass to his brother in the first quarter put Lincoln ahead, 6-0.

Wilson took advantage of Lincoln mistakes to keep the score close in the first half. After a fumble by Lincoln in the second quarter, Wilson drove 25 yards in five plays and capped the drive on a 17-yard pass from Zanoni Morales to George Pantages to put the Mules ahead, 15-9.

The Tigers outscored the Mules, 33-6, in the second half.

Wilson linebacker Luis Acosta and Lincoln guard Bobby Salgado were ejected in the second quarter for fighting.

“Sure, losing Acosta hurt us,” Wilson Coach Eddie Martinez said. “But we can’t blame that for the whole thing. We got our tails kicked today. I thought this would be a tough game, but I had no idea it would be this tough. I’m very disappointed.”

Lincoln put the game away early in the fourth quarter when sophomore fullback Tony Quiros scored on a one-yard run up the middle to give the Tigers a 36-15 lead with nine minutes to play.

Gasper Ortega’s passing was the key, however. He utilized six different receivers, led by junior Juan Vidal, who had seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns.