Losing can be tough. Losing nine games in one season makes it even tougher.
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For second-year Coach Chris Westfall and the Lincoln Rails the objective tis season is to walk before they run.
Westfall saw a lot of improvement from just the time he has been the coach.
"It is going to be interesting this year," Westfall said. "I think this could be the year that kids really have fun and the one they look back on and say, 'this is the year that turned Lincoln football around.'"
A big part of the season depends on junior quarterback Andrew Dillon's arm. Dillon is six-foot, four-inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. Last year he threw for just less than 1,000 yards and rushed for around 450 yards.
"He has a full year in our system and I expect him to be even better this season," he said. "He will still play some defense (defensive back) but we want to limit that as much as we can."
Backup quarterback and receiver senior Alex Neitling (5-11, 185) will see a lot action this season. Senior Brandon Boyle (5-10, 170) will play wide receiver.
Junior C.J. Luvene (6-2, 180) and junior Latwan Wesley (6-3, 185) will both be playing receiver.
"Both of them are very improved," he said. "And they can handle the physical play."
Senior tight end Pedro Lynn (6-1, 225) is looking forward to a strong season.
"He had a fantastic off-season," he said. "He has gotten more physical and he is one of leaders on the team."
The offensive line has two starters back junior Terrance North (6-4, 305) at left tackle and senior Terrence Radcliff (6-1, 240) at left guard and defensive lineman.
Junior Eric Davis (6-1, 220) will play guard and has a lot of potential according to Westfall.
On defense senior Cody Watkins (6-1, 210) will play inside linebacker. Junior Samii Ismail (6-2, 215) will play inside linebacker as well. Senior Julius Kidd (6-1, 175) will play corner and Joey Siepert (6-1, 185) will play free safety.
Senior Vance Johnson (5-10, 175) will play running back and senior Ryan Leek (5-10, 195) will play fullback.
Boyle will punt. Kidd and Luvene will return kicks and Dillon is the punter.
Lincoln opens the season at home Friday against Tecumseh. Last year Tecumseh made the playoffs and beat Lincoln 72-42 in week seven of the regular season.
"They are a good test for us in week one," he said. "If we are going to beat them we have to stop the run."
Westfall said he is excited about the season, but added that the Southeast Conference is very tough.
"It will be interesting this year," he said. "We are a ton better and we will have to play (Ann Arbor) Huron in week 5. I see Chelsea as the top of the class. Adrian and Saline are very good as well."
He said his non-league game is in week eight when they host Grand Blanc.
"Right now we have 46 kids on the team and I expect us to get more than 50," he commented. "This allows us to practice better and get our number one offense against our number one defense. The biggest improvement has been in attitude."
Westfall said the team is much more positive than even last season.
"The kids just want to work hard and the attitude is so much better," he said. "Practices are runner smoother and I think we are going to have more fun this year."
Westfall said now that this is his second year coaching here things are more settled down and they can concentrate on football without the other distractions.
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