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 Close game.
Two evenly matched teams playing passionately.
Critical moments of execution needed in the final minutes.
So many times before, the Railers had been come up short. So many
times before, there was heartbreak.
But this time, there wasn't. Instead, there was jubilation.
After trailing 24-12 at halftime, Lincoln prevailed 30-24 in
overtime, besting the Tornadoes and improving their record to 3-5
this season.
Without a doubt, it was the signature victory for the 2010 Railer
football team.
"I just got done telling the kids -- I've never been more proud of a
team for a half of football than I was in the second half tonight,"
said Shaner. "Absolutely. Just a great win.
"I think this is only the second time Lincoln has ever beat
Taylorville. We beat them a few years ago at our place and we'd
never beaten them here. What a fun win for us."
It certainly is fun for a coach when his defense plays the way
Lincoln's did in the second half.
After struggling in the first two quarters, the Railers surrendered
only one first down in the second half.
The biggest defensive play of all came in overtime. On a
third-and-goal from the 4-yard line when the Tornadoes had to
score for a chance to win the game with an extra point, Railer
linebacker Andy Krusz busted through the line of scrimmage and
chased down Taylorville quarterback Beau McDonald, hurling him into
the dirt for a critical 10-yard loss.
McDonald's fourth-and-goal attempt from the 14 fell incomplete,
and the Lincoln bench erupted in celebration.
"I just saw them going for the pass and saw I had an open lane,"
said Krusz of his big play. "I just shot through and hoped I got to
him before he got the ball off. We had to get pressure there or
they'd probably complete the pass."
Krusz, who has missed multiple games this season with a separated
shoulder, said the tackle was "the best feeling I've had this year."
That described quite a few Railers. And many of them could feel good
about contributing to the victory.
[to top of second column] |
James Leisinger and Darvez Stancle continued their season-long
connection, with Leisinger finding Stancle for both of Lincoln's
second-half touchdowns. Stancle finished with six receptions for 94
yards and two trips to the end zone. Leisinger finished the game
8 for 21 with a 119 yards and ran for 79 yards, including the
go-ahead touchdown in overtime. The only blemish to Leisinger's
night was a pair of second-quarter interceptions.
Railer running back Jordan Sandrolini had 18 attempts for 131 yards
and two touchdowns, both of which came in the first half. The entire
stable of Lincoln runners had 54 attempts for 184 total rushing
yards. Several Railers enjoyed banner defensive nights as well.
Defensive lineman Sawyer Conrady and Austin Kirby each recorded
sacks, while another defensive lineman, Tedarion Carter, had
multiple tackles for lost yardage. Defensive back Logan Armbruster
had a highlight reel hit on Taylorville's McDonald and also
deflected a potential Hail Mary pass at the end of regulation.
Linebacker Zach Schleder had an interception in the final minutes
that kept Taylorville from extending a potential game-winning drive.
"This was a team effort, for sure," said Shaner. "It wasn't just one
guy, or us throwing to Darvez every down. It was lots of guys doing
their jobs. It was fun."
The Railers return home next week for Senior Night against perennial
powerhouse Sacred Heart-Griffin.
But no matter the result, Lincoln's seniors will always have
Friday's thrilling win over Taylorville.
"It was a lot of heart and effort from our kids," said Shaner.
"There was no quit. We were getting off the ball well, guys were
fighting for extra yards.
"I was very proud of our kids in the second half."
[By JUSTIN TIERNEY]
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