Lincoln Faces Another Test Against Taylorville

[September 21, 2018]  By Benjamin Yount

LINCOLN – Thankfully, Lincoln scored a field goal against Mt. Zion.

Otherwise Taylorville would be outscoring the Railsplitters five-to-one on the season.

Lincoln welcomes Taylorville to Handlin Field Friday night.

The Tornadoes are 4-0 on the season, they're ranked third in Class 4A, and they've scored 162 points in four games.

Lincoln is 1-3 on the season, ranked second to last in the Apollo Conference, and has scored just 36 points.

“They throw the ball all over the place,” Lincoln coach Matt Silkowski said of Taylorville. “They've got an All State quarterback, and All State receiver.”

Silkowski is talking about Taylorville quarterback Brandon Odam and wide receiver Justin Wright.

Both had record setting games three weeks ago against Effingham. Both are expected to have big games Friday night.

“We're going to have our hands full,” Silkowski said. “We need to find some ways to be successful.”

The Railsplitter offense will have to find a way to score some points.
 

Lincoln's offense runs through the paces.  The Railer offense will need to score some points Friday night if they want to beat Taylorville High School. 

After scoring 20 points in Week One against Macomb, Lincoln has scored just 16 points since. The Railsplitters were shut out last week against Effingham.

“We're always setting goals,” Silkowski said. “We're always looking to get better.”

Friday's game against Taylorville is Lincoln's third straight against the top tier of the Apollo Conference. After Friday, Lincoln's schedule should get easier.

“We're in the same boat as last year,” Silkowski explained. “Our opponents are better than they were last year. And we're still trying to figure out guys' new roles. We're struggling a little bit.”

Lincoln travels to Charleston next week. Charleston has yet to win a game on the season, and they've allowed the most point of any team in the conference.

Lincoln welcomes Taylorville High School to Handlin Field Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

[story and photos by Benjamin Yount]