Overlooked for Open Division playoff, Lincoln hangs 51 on Poway for Division 1 win

There were some doubts, but it looks like Lincoln High School is ready to make another section football title run.

Just not the one the Hornets wanted.

Despite the disappointment of not contending for the Open Division title, the top-seeded Hornets exploded for a thrilling 51-41 victory over visiting Poway Friday night in the CIF San Diego Section Division 1 quarterfinals.

The loudest explosions came from senior running back Junior Curtis, who exploded for 307 yards rushing on 20 carries and scored three second half touchdowns.

“We talked about it during the week, and even though it’s not the Open, we need to show everyone we’re an Open Division team,” said Curtis. “This is my biggest game ever.”

The Hornets (9-2) will host No. 4 seed San Marcos in next week’s semifinals.

“We have to finish,” said Lincoln coach David Dunn. “Offensively, we are obviously ready, but we can’t play this way defensively. Luckily, we have the firepower.”

The Hornets’ only two loses this season came to Mission Viejo and Cathedral Catholic, two regional powers.

It was the unexpected lack of success by some of Lincoln’s opponents that cost them the points needed to make the Open field, particularly a pair of defending state champions.

Bakersfield Frontier went from 3AA Champs with an 11-4 record to 6-5 this season. Sacramento Grant went from 12-3 2AA champions to 6-4 this season. The Hornets beat Frontier 31-14 and Grant 40-21.

Curtis exploded for 237 yards rushing and all three of his TDs in the second half. The most impressive came with 5:20 left to play and after Poway closed the Lincoln lead to 37-34 on one of Luke Jorgensen’s three TDs.

Two plays after Jorgetnsen’s TD, Curtis exploded up the middle and raced 90 yards for the score.

“I’ve got to give that one to my O-line,” said Curtis.

Poway (5-7) showed the ability to move the football all night against the Hornets. Jorgensen led the running game with 77 yards on 22 carries.

Titan quarterback Noah Schuback had an outstanding night, completing 14 of 23 passes for 290 yards and two TDs, including a 66-yarder to James Clifford in the first half.

“I think we played really well, I’m so proud of these kids,” said Poway Head Coach Brandon Harris with tears in his eyes. “We almost slayed the Dragon.”

On the ground, Lincoln had a great 1-2 punch, with Rashad Robinson adding 114 yards on seven carries and a pair of scores.

Quarterback Kainan Manna came off the bench and threw for 108 yards and two TDs.

Lincoln 51, Poway 41

Poway – 7 7 0 27 – 41

Lincoln – 7 8 15 21 – 51

P – Jorgensen 3 run (Dann kick)

L – Robinson 24 run (Nunez kick)

P – Clifford 66 pass from Schuback (Dann kick)

L – Miller-Thompson 68 pass from Manna (Gaston pass from Manna)

L – Bridges 28 pass from Manna (Dunn pass from Manna)11 run

P – Schuback 7 run (run failed)

L – Robinson 11 run (Nunez kick)

P – Jorgensen 1 run (Dann kick)

L – Curtis 3 run (Nunez kick

P – Jorgensen 3 run (Dann kick)

L – Curtis 90 run (Nunez kick)

P – Hawkins 40 pass from Schuback (Dann kick)

L – Curtis 42 run (Nunez kick)