The Bell Rings Once More |
The day started off like any other San Francisco morning. Fog, with a chance of…well, fog. After overnight rains had soaked the Lincoln High School bleachers, the traditional Thundering Mustangs Rally was moved inside to the South Gym. It was louder than ever. This day was different; this day was the 60th Anniversary of the Lincoln and Washington Bell Game. Although the coveted Bell hadn’t seen the inside of Lincoln for 13 years, there was a feeling all around that this year was the year. After losing in Double OT last year, Lincoln was not set for the same result. History would not repeat itself, for the 14th time.
Kickoff was at 2:15pm at George Washington High School. With former Lincoln and Washington football players in attendance, the clouds broke and the sun shined brightly. However, things did not look good on the Lincoln sidelines. Washington started the game with a kickoff return inside the Lincoln 2 yard line, and later scored, 7-0 Washington. Groans could be heard in the stands as this seemed like another repeat of years previous. Lincoln’s offense took the field and rushed down the field. And, despite an interception and a fumble, Lincoln’s offense and defense prevailed at the end of the half it was 13-7 Lincoln.
By now, the Lincoln side of the football field was packed. Alums, teachers, former football players, parents were present, in a wave of red and gold. Cow bells rang throughout the stands and the excitement was growing. Could this finally be it?
The second half was a run-a-way, or should I say, a WASH-OUT. A punt return for a touchdown and another rushing TD later, and it was 28-7 Lincoln. Washington wouldn’t let go as they quickly marched down the field and scored. 28-14 Lincoln. That would prove to be the last time the Eagles saw the end zone. The Mustangs proceeded to put the game away, scoring 3 more times on a fumble recovery, a kickoff return TD and another rushing touchdown. The Lincoln crowd kept getting louder and louder. As the final seconds ticked away, the scoreboard read 49-14 Lincoln. The Bell will return to Lincoln High School after a 13 year absence.
Sophomore tailback, David Henderson totaled 339-all purpose yards, and scored four TDs. He carried the ball 23 times for 104 yards, and 2 TDs. He also contributed 235 return yards, including a 66-yard punt return and an 89-yard kick return for TDs. (Taken from the SF Chronicle).
Elsewhere in the Academic Athletic Association, Lowell High School (5-1) was defeated by Balboa (5-1), 21-12, leaving the Mustangs (5-1) in a three-way tie for 1st place in the league. Only one game remains in the regular season for the Mustangs, against Lowell. All three high schools have clinched a spot for the playoffs, leaving a battle for the remaining playoff spot between Mission H.S. (3-3) and Galileo (3-3). The smell of Turkey Day will now accompany the bell-ringing in the halls of Lincoln H.S.