Put a win on the board for this week 51-14 over the IN. Titans.
Lincoln-Way Patriots Undefeated in Mid States Football League Play
By: Red Russo
The Lincoln-Way Patriots Semi-Pro football team has accomplished a lot for a first year team. The Patriots are 6-0 in league play and have locked up slot in the MSFL playoffs. Their goal now is to gain home field advantage in the playoffs and are preparing for their Saturday, August 22nd home game against the Indiana Titans.
On Sunday, August 16 the Patriots beat the Northern Illinois Cowboys in a hard fought contest by a score of 21-14. Lincoln-Way’s high powered offense moved the ball well for the first three quarters of the game and held a 21-0 lead into the 4th quarter. The Cowboys owned the fourth quarter and scored two unanswered touchdowns to make the contest a close game. The Patriots drew first blood with a 67 yard bomb from QB, Mike Strimel to WR Nate McCullom. Nate caught two passes on the day for 87 yards and has become Mike Strimel’s go to receiver. In the second quarter Patriot LB, Eric Zinzer, recovered a fumble that led to RB, Steve Strimel scoring on a tackle breaking run from the five yard line. The half-time score was 14-0 Patriots. Steve Strimel scored his second TD in the third quarter behind an hard blocking offensive line making the score 21-0. Steve Strimel carried the ball fifteen times for 68 yards and 2 TD’s. His brother, QB, Mike Strimel passed for 158 yards. The Patriot defense played well for three quarters recording five sacks, recovering three fumbles and intercepting three passes. It seemed that the game would be a blowout until the Cowboy’s QB, Jim Morris scrambled and hit a 47 yard pass for TD and the Cowboys went for the two point conversion. The early fourth quarter score of 21-8 turned the game into much closer contest. Morris continued to scramble and the Cowboys scored late in the game to make the score close. The Patriot defense responded with an interception by DB, Will long and the Patriots were able to hang on to the slim lead. The Patriot defense has played well all season. The secondary of corners, Will Long and Robert Nichols and safeties Paco Villa and Marzell Green dominated the Cowboys receivers for most of the game. Nichols made three spectacular plays breaking up passes, Green intercepted two passes and Villa made plays in the passing game. LB, Zinzer, led the defense with 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. MLB, Ty Radke was active stopping the Cowboys running game behind defensive tackles Rayshaun Morsby, Eddie Riley Jr. and Justin Zenere. Defensive Ends, Tony Wisniewski and Joe Hughes each recorded 2 sacks. On the offensive line, JP Caroll, Ryan Winterfeld, Dominic Angeloni and Jerome McCullor took control of the line of scrimmage and provided the Patriots the opportunity to physically handle the Cowboys Defense. Last week’s close call has inspired the Patriots to put some urgency into winning the game against the Indiana Titans. For a first year team the Patriots are proud of their accomplishments but more concerned with winning each game and playing up to their capability. The Patriot coaches have worked this week on timing, eliminating mistakes and teaching schemes and techniques. Saturday’s game will be the last regular season home game of the season at Lincoln-Way East HS at 7PM. If the Patriots are successful they may have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.