LNC receiver Alex Scearce supplied 321 total yards and two touchdowns in what could be considered a noble performance as the Knights trampled the 2A North Lincoln Knights 35-0.
LNC (4-3 overall, 1-3 Southern Piedmont) was dominant in all facets of the game thanks to an outstanding individual effort from their playmaker running, catching and returning the ball. LNC coach Bob McKay said that getting the ball in Scearce’s hands gets the team rolling, and that was the case against North Lincoln. Scearce scored on a 68-yard run and on a 56-yard pass from Michael Dorsainvil.
“Alex did a great job today,” said McKay. “We are trying our best to find creative ways to get him the ball. We moved him in on some reverse plays, and then on punt returns he is pretty good, too. It’s always great to have a special athlete like that to lead your team.”
Scearce credited his teammates in giving him the opportunity to gallop through the opposition each time he had the ball.
“I was seeing holes all over the field,” he said. “My teammates did a good job of making that happen when I got the ball. They made it easy for me to run, and we played all four quarters of the game. Any time you can beat a 2A school 35-0, you know it’s a good night for the team.”
LNC’s other scores came on an 8-yard pass from Dorsainvil to Landon Wiese, on a 3-yard Dorsainvil run and on a 1-yard Nathan Windham run.
McKay said his 1A team’s first win in the SPC 1A/2A is another key milestone for the young program.
“It feels good, and I’m really happy overall,” said McKay. “We talked about dominating all week. We felt we had our chances in a (21-18 loss to Bessemer City Sept. 30) and could have won it, but we didn’t let (that) distract us. So obviously, this win has a huge impact.”
LNC will meet the fourth and final Lincoln County SPC team Friday when it travels to play East Lincoln, a team that beat Hopewell 39-24 this season.
Working hand-in-hand
The defense continues to be a focus for LNC as it forced three fumbles and an interception last Friday. The offense was able to turn two of the turnovers into points, and McKay was encouraged by how his defense played throughout.
“For once, we were physical from start to finish,” he said. “That’s the best our defense has played all year and probably ever, period.”
Sean Kane continued to be a key stopper, finishing with 11 tackles and three sacks as North Lincoln (1-7, 1-3) barely eclipsed the century mark in total yards.
PATs
Lee Bobo got LNC off to a fast start against North Lincoln, returning the opening kick 35 yards to set the stage for the first scoring drive. Then, having moved to safety, he intercepted Cory Blake on North Lincoln’s second pass attempt. ... The teams were flagged a combined 15 times for unsportsmanlike conduct, which also included Dorsainvil being disqualified. Since he was disqualified and not ejected, he is eligible for Friday’s game at East Lincoln. ... Balance was key to LNC’s offensive efficiency. On its 40th play, Dorsainvil hit Scearce for the 56-yard score on a hitch-and-go route. That was the Knights’ 20th pass attempt. ... Nine of LNC’s 13 possessions started at its own 40 or better including six that began in North Lincoln territory.
