Lincoln Prep prepares for Hornets

Lincoln Prep (6-3, 4-2 district) can close out its turnaround regular season with one more statement as the Panthers host Arcadia (4-5, 3-3 district) on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Panthers, who had just five total wins over the previous two years, have rallied to put together one of the best seasons in the school’s history. And head coach Glen Hall knows it’s far from over, with his dedicated senior class making it clear leading up to Friday’s home finale that the Panthers have more work to do and want to finish the regular season the right way against a district foe.

“This class is really special,” Hall said. “I’ve been coaching a lot of them since they were in 8th grade for me. This is probably the best any senior class has gotten along since I’ve been here. They hang out together. They go to the weight room together. They come up here on Saturday and Sunday and practice with each other. They wanted to be good and they’re trying to accomplish everything they can before high school is over. They want to go out as winners and that’s what they’re focused on.”

Prep has been blessed to have gifted seniors make plays all year, from Jaylin Huntley to D’Tavion Wright, Verlanski Glosson, and Cenario Wilson leading the way on both sides of the ball, with Wright the workhorse tailback for the Panthers while Wilson is a do-it-all cornerback/ receiver.

Wright has more than 10 rushing touchdowns this season and is approaching 1,000 yards in his final year, while Wilson has scored a TD in four straight games, including two punt return TD in the last four games. Glosson has 4 interceptions, and Huntley has 4 rushing touchdowns this year to round out the top-level seniors.

“ Cenario has been leaps and bounds better this year, better than what we thought we’d get,” Hall said. “He’s scored every way you could for us. He’s got great speed, and we use that in a lot of different ways. He came into the year with an offer from Grambling State in his pocket and now he’s getting more attention on him too. And D’Tavion too. He’s probably going to be a small-school guy, but I want to do everything I can to get him an opportunity.”

Hall expects each of his senior leaders to come ready to play on Friday against an Arcadia team that is scrappy and can win close games. The Hornets came back to beat Cedar Creek 14-12 last week with just 77 rushing yards. Hall said the Panthers can’t overlook Arcadia.

“I’ve just talked to them about how they have to focus on school and being in class and taking care of their responsibilities,” Hall said. “It doesn’t matter what any other person or team or school does. We’re our own team. We have to execute. I’m proud of how they’ve been practicing. They’ve looked good this week. Arcadia has won some close games and lost some close games so they’re going to give us a good game.

“ Their coach has been really creative with what he’s asking them to do. He’s a gambler for sure. He’ll go for it a lot on fourth down and take risks, so we gotta be ready to defend those. My message really is it doesn’t matter what they do. If we bring our best, we’ll be in good shape.”

Lincoln Prep (6-3, 4-2 district) hosts Arcadia (4-5, 3-3 district) Friday at 7 p. m. at Panther Field in Grambling for Senior Night.