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Lincoln returns home for their homecoming game
Friday night, with a 1-2 record and looking at the most
difficult part of their schedule.
“There hasn't been that team moment yet,” coach Matt Silkowski
said Thursday. “We're trying to create that culture. A winning
culture. But when you haven't been successful for so long,
that's what you're going to get.”
Silkowski's pep talk after the Railers' last practice Thursday
was all about respect. Respect for yourself, respect for your
teammates, and respect for Lincoln football.
“It doesn't change overnight,” Silkowski explained. “It takes a
while to change that culture. It's a long process.”
Coach Silkowski talks with freshman
running back Tony Gandolfi at Thursday's practice. Gandolfi is
expected to get some playing time with the varsity squad this
week.
Culture change is one thing, but game plan
changes are another.
And Coach Silkowski said the game plan will likely change for
Friday's game against Effingham.
“We practiced our run game a little bit more than we normally do
this week,” Silkowski added. “We're adding some sprint-out
stuff. To try and roll the pocket a little bit, give us a
run/pass option.”
Another change in the works for Friday night is the addition of
freshman running back Tony Gandolfi.
Gandolfi played most of the second half last week, and brings a
tough running style in between the tackles that the Railers have
lacked this season.
“I used to try and cut it to the outside. But last year defenses
started to pick up on it,” Gandolfi said Thursday. “So I learned
to put my head down and run.”
Lincoln enters Friday night's game with one win and two losses.
Effingham also has one win and two loses.
But Silkowski said Effingham is in a much different situation
than his team.
“The are a very good 1-2 football team,” Silkowski said. “They
have not had an easy road so far this year.”
Effingham lost to Breese Matter Dei in week one. They lost to
Taylorville in week two.
Taylorville is ranked fifth in the state in Class 4A. Mater Dei
received votes to be ranked in the Top 10, but fell just short.
Lincoln will get Taylorville next week.
Friday's homecoming festivities include a parade through
downtown. The team will ride a fire truck.
Saturday night, it's the homecoming dance. This year's dance has
a New York City theme.
Lincoln welcomes Effingham High School to Handlin Field Friday
night, kick off is set for 7 p.m.
[by Ben Yount]
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