Lincoln Prep falls in first round to Central Catholic
Photo by Josh McDaniel
MORGAN CITY - No. 19 Lincoln Prep couldn’t overcome seven turnovers, including four in the first half, and fell 14-0 to No. 14 Central Catholic in the first round of the Division IV select playoffs on Friday.
The Panthers close the season with a 7-4 record - the most wins for the program since 2021.
Prep had chances to score in the first half, moving inside Central Catholic’s 35-yard line on its first drive of the game. But in what would prove to be the story of the first half, Prep turned the ball over on a fumble on a 4th down pass attempt inside the 30 to squander early momentum.
The Panthers’ next two drives ended in turnovers, with Prep fumbling inside Central’s 41 before throwing an interception on the following drive. Lincoln Prep’s execution struggles continued with a punt and turnover on downs over the next two drives. Prep’s lone punt of the first half was the difference early on, as the Panthers poorly shanked the kick and gave Central great starting field position inside the Prep 29. Two plays later, the Eagles soared into the end-zone on a 2-yard run to go up 7-0 with 8:52 left in the half.
The Panthers had one last chance to get on the scoreboard in the first half by starting its final drive of the second quarter on its own 46. Prep marched to Central’s 40 but on the following play the Panthers coughed up their third fumble of the half and allowed Central to kneel out the clock in the half.
It only got worse for Prep in the second half, with the Panthers coughing up three turnovers over the final two quarters, despite moving deep within Central’s side of the field.
The Panthers’ first drive of the third quarter got to Central’s 28, only to end in another fumble on a botched screen pass. Prep’s second drive of the third moved to Central’s 23 but the Panthers turned the ball over on downs after an incomplete pass to the sticks.
Despite the sloppy play, Prep still had a chance with its final drive starting on Central’s 40 with under 1:30 to play. But after a sack and a personal foul on the Panthers, the Eagles sealed the win with a pick-six - Prep’s seventh and final turnover of the game.
No. 14 Central Catholic will face No. 3 Covenant Christian in the second round of the Division IV select playoffs.
