Hi Mustangs:

        The 2006 Mustangs have distinguished themselves once again by finishing their regular football season with a 9-2 record. Last year your Mustangs took it all, winning the championship game by a score of 24-22. This coming Thursday they will meet Lowell (10-1) for the AAA City Championship in the annual Turkey Day Game. What a great way to spend Thanksgiving day, rooting for Lincoln to come home with the bacon, er, turkey. Lincoln won this seat in the championship game by beating 3rd seeded Balboa 29-8 in the semifinal. Lowell beat 4th seeded Mission High 22-14 in the other semifinal game. This game promises to be one of the most exciting games you have ever been to. We urge all who can, come. Bundle up and root for the Mustangs in the refurbished Kezar Stadium. The championship game will start at 11 a.m. at Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park. Thanking you in advance for your participation, we are... The Board of Directors, Abraham Lincoln High School Alumni Association.

 

"Two in a row - how sweet it is."

        It was clear and sunny in San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day 2006. The temperature in the revamped Kezar Stadium was almost hot as the Lincoln Mustangs took the field to defend their Academic Athletic Association (AAA) championship title they won in 2005.

        It had been a long dry spell for Lincoln football teams since their last championship in 1979. But in 2005 they won it all. Vying successfully for a repeat was most unlikely. But, vie they did and win they did. The final score was 29-22 against Lowell High School in the 83rd annual game of which Lincoln had won only 5 games previously.

        Lincoln scored on the opening drive on a one-yard plunge by Phillipe Lewis.

        Lincoln’s defense had a challenging time against the unimaginative but effective in-your-face, down-your-throat double-wing formation football that Lowell exhibited. Time and time again, running the ball behind the left guard and tackle, pushing and shoving, biting off 4 and 5 yards on each play, they marched down the field and scored on their first 2 possessions behind the running of Bismark Navarro. But Lincoln’s defense managed to stop them on their third possession as time ran out in the first half.

        Behind at halftime 16-6 it seemed like it was just academic for Lowell to receive the second half kickoff and drive the ball inexorably down the field.

        But Lowell did not count on the tenacity and heart of the Mustang defense.

        Uncharacteristic of the Lowell offense that traditionally “went for it” on 4th downs and extra points, they decided to punt. Lincolns David Garcia blocked that punt and it was picked up by Jose Medina who ran the ball back 53 yards, untouched, for a touchdown. This was the pivotal point in the game and gave the Mustangs the impetus they needed. After the kickoff, the gallant Mustangs stopped the Cardinal and took over on downs. One play later they scored on a David Henderson run of 49 yards.

        Henderson, a Junior, was dazzling from the Mustangs first possession until the final gun, a veritable whirling dervish. After the first play, a pass that gained 9 yards, David Henderson took over and from then on it was "The David Henderson Show." Gobbling up yardage on each possession, Henderson ground out close to 200 yards in the game and ran the ball on 20 of Lincoln's 27 plays.

        Each team had limited passing. Lincoln had one pass for 9 yards. Lowell had 2 passes, 1 incomplete and the final was an interception by Lincolns Mike Paolucci to clinch the win.

        Lincoln's coach, Phil Ferrigno, summed it up with this comment, "Two in a row - how sweet it is."

        The game was attended by 5,000 fans, the overwhelming majority were seated on the Lincoln side of the field. A big "THANKS" to the alumni who attended. Your participation made a difference.


David Henderson (24) and a teammate (74) celebrating with fans after the game