Not to mention a state powerhouse as an opponent.
Lincolnton, a longtime 2A power, welcomed the Knights to the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference by handing LNC a 55-7 defeat on a messy night for high school football.
Storms delayed kickoff until nearly 9 p.m., and it was midnight by the time the game concluded. But each time the Wolves scored, those in the tucked-away stadium and the nearby neighborhood were treated to the sound of the wolf howl blared through the stadium’s P.A. system. They heard it a lot as Lincolnton scored the game’s first 48 points en route to a convincing victory, one that gave 1A LNC a taste of what it will face going forward, at least from the split league’s 2A members.
“It was a rude awakening to this conference,” said LNC coach Bob McKay. “We didn’t play our game. The rain didn’t help. The stoppage didn’t help. We never got in a rhythm.”
The Wolves (2-1 overall, 1-0 SPC) struck early and often with an offense led by quarterback Patrick Rendleman and running back Dee Littlejohn, who combined for five touchdowns. The Wolves led 34-0 at the half and held LNC (2-1, 0-1) scoreless until the final minutes. The Knights’ only score came on a 10-yard run by quarterback Michael Dorsainvil with 1:47 to play on a fourth-and-9 from the Lincolnton 10.
Lincolnton was physical up front, and the Wolves slowed the LNC rushing attack that had produced 507 yards through two games. The Knights managed just 63 yards on 26 carries against the Wolves.
“We couldn’t block, and if we can’t run the ball, we can’t be successful,” said McKay.
The passing game struggled, too, as Dorsainvil was constantly under pressure when he tried to pass. He completed 9-of-24 passes for 114 yards and two interceptions.
“They were aggressive on the defensive side of the ball,” said Dorsainvil. “They brought it every play.”
LNC plays at non-conference foe Wake Christian Friday and is idle next week. The Knights return to SPC play Sept. 23 at home against West Lincoln, and while it may be a while before the Knights can hang with the likes of Lincolnton, Wolves coach Scott Cloninger said LNC showed him something.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the Lake Norman team,” said Cloninger. “They play really hard. I really think they’ll be able to win some games in the league. They’re a hard-hitting team.”
The competitive gap may be closing sooner rather than later. The LNC junior varsity team beat Lincolnton 14-13.
Atmosphere
Lincolnton’s Memorial Stadium/Von Ray Harris Field is unlike any atmosphere LNC has stepped into previously, and it is regarded as one of the best high school football venues in the state.
“It makes me want to play college ball, seeing this,” LNC receiver Alex Scearce said afterward.
Lincolnton’s stadium has an appealing look, from its large, neat bleachers on each side to the pine trees that enclose one end zone. The multi-level press box is one of the largest around and provides a legitimate bird’s eye view, while generations of fans empty the town and fill the stands.
“The traditional high school football atmosphere, this was it,” said Dorsainvil.
McKay said it was good for his team to see it.
“It lets them know this is where we want to be in the future,” he said. “There’s so much tradition and history.”
PATs
LNC linemen Harrison Sipe (back) and Lucas Froehlich (left wrist) were injured during the game and their availability for this week was uncertain at press time.
