2015 Team Preview: Lincoln Abes

 

Key Players

WR Tony Archie (6’0″ 180, ’16) – Archie is one of the State’s top receivers, and arguably the top without an offer. He has good speed, great hands and a really nice understanding of the position, but is still very raw with his best days ahead of him.

WR Alvin Johnson (6’1″ 195, ’16) – Johnson is a big bodied receiver that uses his body well beat his defender. He is also one of the top returning receivers in the state, and has had a tremendous offseason, following a great junior campaign.

RB Dionte Simon (5’10” 190, ’16) – Simon is one of the more underrated athletes in the region, and gets little to no credit for his work. He has a high football IQ and does a great job reading his blocks. I truly believe this is a year that will see Simon become a big name.

DB Mushawn Knowles (6’0″ 205, ’16) – Knowles is another name that gets overlooked. He has good speed, great instincts and is one of the more punishing hitters in the state. Knowles has the athleticism to play as a DB, and the toughness to play at LB.

DB Darien Williams (6’1″ 190, ’16) – Williams is a lockdown corner, with great size and tremendous speed, but will play Safety this year for the Abes. He plays with a real aggression and has a very high football IQ. Williams is a two-star on Scout.com.

 

Overview

Jon Kitna is off to Texas, and in steps highly touted head coach Masaki Matsumoto. He is a young coach with big time experience, coming up from a very successful stint at Bernstein High School in Hollywood, California.

It isn’t often that you lose as much talent as Lincoln did, and improve, but that might just be the case for the Abes. I saw Lincoln multiple times last season, and came away impressed with not only their ability, but their youth. This is a program that could be really good for the next few years.

When looing over my preseason top 10 rankings, you will find the Abes slotted at #3, behind only Bellevue and Eastside Catholic.

Offensively the Abes lose a lot of nice pieces. QB Jordan Kitna and TE Devan Brady followed their coaching fathers to Texas, while WR’s Jayson Williams and Dehonta Hayes have graduated and moved on to Eastern Washington University, where they are joined by hulking LT Ben Puapuaga.

Stepping in at QB for the Abes will be junior Joey Sinclair (5’11” 160). He doesn’t have prototypical size, but Sinclair has a powerful arm and is the true definition of dual-threat. Sinclair pays with great confidence and plays a smart, no mistake game.

Lincoln has a ton of athleticism, and with Dionte Simon at RB, the Abes have one of the best around. Also expect to see Tristian Kwon (6’1″ 170, ’18) who will likely see time at both RB and WR, as the Abes look to get his speed on the field. Senior Walker Flynn (5’11” 170) adds depth with his speed and overall athleticism.

Receiver is a spot the Abes really thrive. Tony Archie and Alvin Johnson are two of the best in the state, while transfer Terrell Bromer (6’3″ 180, ’16) provides Lincoln a big target with a knack for making big time plays. Marcus Wiley (’16) and Zavier Huebner (’17) provide the Abes with depth and the ability to make plays when needed.

Tight End Troy Petersohn (6’4″ 185, ’16) is a name to keep an eye on, if you can keep up with him. He is one of the fastest players on the team, and that speed will create mismatches inside. Also expect to see plenty of Brandin Porter (6’3″ 203, ’17) as he is more than capable of a starting spot and has a very bright future.

Where Lincoln sets themselves apart from most has been their play along the line. Three years ago it was not a bright spot, but dedication in the weight room and with film has turned this program into one of the state’s best.

Kameron Smith (6’8″ 300, ’16) returns at RT after picking up a few offers over the offseason, and should pick up a few more once his updated film is ready to go. Quazzel White (6’4″ 285, ’17) is the next big name and has the look of a D1 lineman. He has the ability to play all five spots along the line, and reminds me a lot of Ben Puapuaga.

The other three spots on the OL look to be going to some young bucks. Zach Puapuaga (’18), Ben’s younger brother, steps in at center and plays with a nasty mentality. Ezekiel Sayavong (’18) gets the nod at LG, and plays with a ton of heart. Giovonni White (’19), no relation to Quazzel, is the youngest of the group and a name you will want to keep an eye on over the next four years.

Lincoln plays fast and strong defensively, and are led upfront by Zavier Baines (6’0″ 270, ’16) who clogs the middle and is considered to be the anchor of the run defense. Baines is flanked by Afi Salevao (’16) and Quran Thomas (5’11” 225, ’16), both of whom are very capable pass rushers and stout against the run. Also expect to see Frank Williams (6’1″ 250, ’16) on both the offensive and defensive lines.

One thing I love about the Lincoln coaches is they are not afraid to play the young guys. It is evident on the OL, and comes into play again at LB. Junior MLB Jeffrey Williams (5’11” 210) is the older of the bunch and is one of the team’s biggest hitters.

Teshawn Seu (5’9″ 185), Mahlon Slaughter (6’0″ 200) and Alex Gillies (6’1″ 195) are all heading into their sophomore seasons, and look to be towards the top of the 2018 recruiting class. All three are regarded as fast, physical and smart.

There is not doubt that Darien Williams and Mushawn Knowles lead the defense. They are two of the top defensive player state wide and will be key cogs in what should be an exciting defense. Lawrence Greer (5’10” 150, ’16) is a lockdown corner with good speed and great ball skills. Roshard McKinnie (5’10” 155, ’16), Xzvier Westion (5’9″ 160, ’16) and Patrick Rogers (’17), will all see time at DB and are all very capable defenders with speed.

The kicking duties belong to freshman Cameron Avey, who has a strong-accurate leg and looks to be one of the better young kickers in the state.

The Bottom Line: Lincoln has all the tools to make a deep run this season. Masaki Matsumoto has quickly garnered a ton of respect in this state, and should their young players grow up quickly, you will likely see them in the Tacoma Dome come late November.

 

Key Games

vs Capital (9/18)

@ Central Kitsap (10/16)

vs Wilson (10/23)