Lincoln-Way Central Dominates Providence 26-14 in Thrilling Match

In a commanding performance, Lincoln-Way Central defeated Providence 26-14 on September 15, 2023. The Knights showcased their offensive prowess, amassing a total of 511 yards, with 360 of those coming from their rushing attack. This victory improved Lincoln-Way Central’s record to 2-0, while Providence fell to 1-1.

The standout player for Lincoln-Way Central was Justin Cobbs, who rushed for 215 yards on 25 carries. Cobbs stepped up significantly after his teammate Luke Tingley suffered a left leg injury during the second quarter. Tingley had already made a substantial impact, recording 132 rushing yards on just seven carries, including a spectacular 70-yard touchdown run shortly after the opening kickoff.

Tingley’s injury occurred when he was tackled on a 6-yard out pattern, prompting concern from both the coaching staff and players. “He has had a string of injuries, and he’s one of our guys,” said Central’s end coach Dave Woodburn. “He’s one of our leaders. We’re worried about him. That’s a tough one.”

Despite the loss of Tingley, Cobbs demonstrated resilience and leadership. “When I saw him go down, my ears definitely dropped,” Cobbs remarked. “That’s when I knew I had to step up a little bit more. I just see the green grass. My line did really good today, made it easy for me.”

Scoring Highlights

The Knights’ offensive strategy proved effective, as they scored three touchdowns through a combination of strong rushing and precise passing. The first of these was a 15-yard touchdown pass from Drew Woodburn to Lucas Andresen, which capped a drive that featured a 45-yard run by Tingley along the same sideline as his opening touchdown. Cobbs continued to shine, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts as the game progressed.

The second touchdown connection between Woodburn and Andresen came in the third quarter, covering 53 yards, with Andresen displaying impressive speed after the catch. The duo also executed a 26-yard touchdown pass with just over ten minutes remaining in the game.

Providence managed to stay competitive, scoring two touchdowns of their own. Quarterback Dominic Vita orchestrated a 5-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7. Later, a remarkable play saw Vita pass to Xavier Coleman, who fumbled after a 42-yard gain. DeAngelo Coates recovered the fumble and carried it the final 40 yards to score, leveling the game at 14.

Coach Woodburn noted the challenges posed by Providence’s offense. “We got challenged early. (Coleman) is really, really good. They hit us with two screen passes, and we didn’t do our job there, but after that our guys came through.”

Game Overview

The first half was characterized by high-stakes plays, with all four touchdowns scored on third downs. Vita finished the game with a passing record of 9 of 22 for 138 yards.

Lincoln-Way Central’s victory not only highlights their offensive capabilities but also raises questions about the impact of Tingley’s injury as the team progresses through the season. With a mix of strong performances and the uncertainty surrounding player health, the Knights will need to maintain their momentum as they prepare for upcoming challenges.