Getting the winning feeling back
The Lincoln Prep offensive line blocks for Chauncey Harper (left) during the recent jamboree action against Red River. The Panthers will take on Plain Dealing Friday night. Photo by Tony Valentino
Winning cures all and reveals what works about a team’s formula.
The Lincoln Prep Panthers (1-0) are receiving the benefits of both heading into Friday’s matchup with the Plain Dealing Lions after picking up a 14-6 win over Madison High to open the season.
Lincoln Prep head coach Glen Hall can feel the Panthers’ excitement since the opening win, building confidence in his team early in the season.
“Winning breeds a better attitude,” Hall said.
Get used to hearing running back Jamarius Buggs’ name when it comes time to talk about the Panthers week to week. Hall said the win over Madison confirmed what he already felt about the Panthers’ plan of attack.
Answer? Be a run-first, power team that will hand the ball off over 20 times a game and build off plays from the ground game. Buggs rushed for 112 yards on 15 carries against Madison with his physical 6-1, 205-pound frame.
“We’re gonna run him some more,” Hall said of Buggs. “What do runners do? They run. So, I’m gonna keep letting him run.”
And the run game could get even stronger for the Panthers this week, with regular starting running back Chauncey Harper returning from injury.
It’s a welcome sight for Hall, to be sure, who wasn’t shy about what he needs from Harper this season after the Panthers played in the Bayou Jamb Aug. 27.
“He’s my bell-cow,” Hall said of Harper after his last game action in the Bayou Jamb. “He’s gotta help carry this team.” On paper, the Plain Dealing Lions could present a golden opportunity for the Panthers to hit another groove on offense.
Dealing was outscored 54-8 in its opener and gave up an average of 42 points per game on defense last season – including 40-plus points seven times in 2021. The Lions haven’t won a game since Oct. 15, 2021. Since 2015, they’ve haven’t had a season at .500.
Oh, and they lost to Lincoln Prep 32-0 last season.
But Hall said the Panthers will bring a simple offensive mindset to Friday’s game and will stay in their lane. Run the ball and take a few play-action shots when available.
Again, winning this early in the season allows for a sense of trust in the process.
“This early in the season, we’re just going to run our simple plays and then every week we’ll add some more and go from there,” Hall said.
