2017 Lincoln County Football Capsule

League: Class 2A Southern

Head coach: Raymond Wadsworth, first season

2016 record: 9-1 (6-0 Class 2A Southern League, first place)

Returning lettermen: Seven

Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: Base 3-5

Top offensive players: WR Landen Smith (Sr.); WR Noah Smith (Jr.); WR Kamden Lewis (Jr.); OL McKinley O’Connor (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DL McKinley O’Connor (Jr.); DL Mathew Finnlinson (Sr.)

Key losses: QB Cody Thornock, C/DE Kevin Mathews, OL/DL Jordan Povis

Outlook: Lincoln County’s quest for a state championship was thwarted in the semifinals in a loss to Yerington, the second year in a row Yerington had bumped the Lynx from the playoffs. The Lynx also lost their quarterback, some size on the defensive line and have seen their participation numbers drop this season.

“It’s going to be a tough year for us because of numbers, the lack of numbers,” coach Wadsworth said.

But a team does not go 9-1 without a strong team overall. The Lynx swept through league play and only had one regular season opponent come within two scores. They return plenty of skill on the outside, and should be a favorite to win their third league crown in a row.

“I think we’ll be solid all the way around barring injuries,” Wadsworth said. “Our goal is to compete for a state championship.”