Shawn O’Connor’s message to his new Lincoln football team was to use its season opener against Tottenville as a chance to introduce itself to the rest of the city.
Boy, did they leave some first impression.
The defending city champion Railsplitters handled the visiting Pirates 28–6 last Friday night in Coney Island. Lincoln lost 14 seniors from last year’s squad, including All-American defensive lineman Thomas Holley, star quarterback Javon Moore and Division-I corner back Kendell Puryear. What it didn’t lose was a step.
“I think they made the introduction that they are a team to be dealt with,” O’Connor said.
The current Lincoln roster talked in the preseason about wanting a championship to call their own and wanting to prove themselves. When O’Connor huddled with his team after warm ups, he told them how impressed he was with their energy. They also paid little attention to the unveiling of last season’s city championship banner during a pre-gamer ceremony.
“I really liked when the banner went up they weren’t even cheering about it,” O’Connor said. “A lot of the guys back were there, but we talked bout turning the page.”
Lincoln turned plenty of heads as well, starting with senior quarterback Paul Litvak, with 182 yards of total offense. He appeared in total control of the attack, delivered the ball in the air and powered his way to two rushing scores. He had by far the biggest shoes to fill after his processor Moore was the most valuable player in the last year’s title game.
“He needed the confidence,” O’Connor said. “He did a tremendous job of working and losing weight in the off season, throwing in drills, but he needed the game experience. I think this is a tremendous confidence builder for him.”
There is a lot for Lincoln to feel good about as it prepares to face Campus Magnet next week. Both of its lines were stellar. Senior running back Prince Klutsey appears to be a budding starter, and receiver transfers Justice Seales and Luis Rodriguez both showed they could be playmakers.
They will have to play without star linebacker Dionte Flemming for the near future due to a concussion. But it is just a chance for Lincoln to show of the depth that sets it apart from the rest of the Public School Athletic League, and maybe all of New York City.
It was just one game in a season that Lincoln hopes ends with a 13th contest back at Yankee Stadium, but this group lived up to all the hype. Consider their instruction a success.
