10/7 Lincoln 27 - De Pere 30

This year was a lot of fun, gentlemen.

In the final game of their high school careers, Hollywood, Half-Man, and The Rock helped keep the team's playoff hopes alive.  In the end, they all came up just a bit short.  The Ships switched their base defense in an attempt to right a Ship that was very, very wrong after the season's second week.  Big plays, once again, were the story, as they were shredded on two long runs right up the gut of the defense.  The team buckled down in the second half, giving up just one score after halftime.  It just wasn't enough.  Hollywood led an exciting drive in the final two minutes that attempted to go 98 yards, but the offense came up about 40 yards short, getting sacked on consecutive plays and then dumping off a screen on 4th down to end the game.

As I wrote last year, there is only one Division 1 team that ends its season without tears.  It is very difficult to be that team.  This team had several excellent players, but it did not have enough bonafide starters to succeed in the playoffs, had they qualified.  It was an awesomely fun team, filled with so many good young men.  But for a team to end it's season in Madison, hoisting that trophy, it needs at least 20 young men who place football second, right after school work, all year long.  The weight room has to be a second home.  Not just for one year, but two, three, and, preferably, four.  I try to convey to the younger kids that, if you look at the team, the best players are the ones who are always in the weight room, and there aren't any players on that team who have been in the weight room the last several years that aren't good.  Not one exception.  If you want to be a good player, 4-5 visits to the weight room each week, for 65-85 minutes a pop, and you'll be guaranteed to be good when you are a senior.

But back to this season.  It would be hard to think about the year without thinking about the memory most of these guys will have forever: that awesome Homecoming game.  It's always said, but you never forget your Homecoming game.  That's why it was so kind of these guys to let East and Pulaski win their Homecoming games.  See, this team was just too nice!

What else will we remember?  Bongo yelling "whoever put the hex weights on the racks with the round weights, you are an idiot."  How about the defense dominating the offense during team 2 minute drills each week, but the offense doing much better over the course of the season in conference?  Bongo's Birthday.  The day Oklahoma was brought back.  Muscles running over people in scout.  County fair.  Trying to get J-Life to miss a kick.  Players hiding in leaves.  The Professor killing it on the d-line.  Waaaay too much pudding talk.  Chariot races.  Destroying everyone at the scrimmage.  Nearly beating (and, really, we should have) SW, the team that went undefeated in conference.  Fisch talkin' (if you can call it that).  "I got your back" conditioning.  Lodes destroying pipes, but not really at all (thanks Drew).  Alex's tuddy.  Bryce's tuddy.  Dust, dust, and more dust at practice.  Team dinners.  Group dinners.  Jammin' to Margaritaville.  Geese.  Sackmaster Seth.  "TOES ON THE LINE!"  Hollywood's big run on a sneak.  Muscles' big runs, over and over.  That ridiculous play with Tucks and Fisch.  I could go on, but you get the point: yes, it wasn't a perfect season, but there will be a lot of good memories.

I have a few pics of the two and a half men after the jump (these are from Pulaski).  There weren't any photographers available for the De Pere game.

Before We Get To The Last Post

I will really miss this joke.

I should probably explain why I've failed to post for awhile.  Basically, I fell behind and didn't get to the 2 1/2 posts I usually do after the Pulaski game post.  Then, I found discovered that my stable of photographers was one short for the De Pere game (everyone was out of town).  So, without photos, I wasn't motivated to blog.  Well, that, and the way the season ended.

But that ends now.  I've had so much fun following this team so closely over the last two years that it would be silly if I left this thing unfinished.

10/5 Lincoln 24 - Pulaski 41

We've returned too many kicks this year.

When the Ships came out of halftime down just 17-14, they looked like they had the energy to and enthusiasm to destroy Pulaski in the second half.  Then they gave up a touchdown on the kickoff and that was that.  I'm not sure why it was kicked deep (the Ships' kickoff coverage has been even worse than its defense) but sometimes things just don't make any sense.  Sometimes a team can get down on itself and things spiral out of control.  You end up performing worse that these guys.  Long touchdowns have been the Achilles heal of the team this year (as they would be for any team).  If they continue this week, the season is over.  Simple as that.  I still believe in this team.  I just hope the players still believe in themselves.

Gentlemen, tomorrow may be your last game this year.  For the seniors, it may be your last game ever.  For those of you who love football, losing it will leave a void that you'll never quite be able to fill.  So go out tomorrow and give it everything you have.  Let all of your emotion - hate, anger, joy, love - flow through and out of you.  Savor every moment.  And promise yourself that 10 years from now, you won't have to wake up some Fall morning, look yourself in the mirror, and know that you didn't go all out in your last football game.  Do that, and it won't be.  For what it's worth, I think we're going to win.  This team hasn't had a winning or losing streak all year.  We're not going to start now!

9/29 Sheboygan South 40 - Lincoln 54 - Homecoming

Was that the last home game for these fine young gentlemen?

Now THAT was a fun game!  I think everyone was a little jittery at the sight of Sheboygan South matching us TD for TD in the game's first 15 minutes.  But Hollywood and Co. never let us down, constantly driving down the field and punching it in.  Muscles ran for 158 yards and 2 TDs on Just 12 carries.  Hollywood passed for almost 300 yards and added another 43 on the ground.  He also accounted for 3 total TDs.  The defense got a score and also forced 4 turnovers.  And while big plays were once again the story for the Ships' defense, they got the stops when they needed to.  The fans certainly got their money's worth.  The perfect Fall day helped everyone enjoy a great game that lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes!  As always, enjoy the pictures below the jump.

9/21 Lincoln 30 - Green Bay East 40

A three sack game, wasted.

Yikes.  The offense should have scored 20 more.  The defense should have given up 20 less points.  After giving up 4 quick, easy touchdowns in the first half, and the offense responding with 4 scoring drives, I think everyone in the building thought the team had righted the ship when they into halftime down just 26-24.  But the defense gave up two more scores after halftime and the offense could only muster one more TD.  You have to hand it to East, they were prepared and ready to play.  We were outplayed and outcoached.  But it has to sting to lose to a team that hasn't beaten you in 16 years.  Luckily, the problems the team had during the game can be fixed.  But it'll take some very dedicated players and coaches to make sure everyone's on board, and that everyone is paying attention, because this team is on the verge of doing the unthinkable: missing the playoffs.

There were, of course, some highlights: we almost ran a kick back for a TD, The Rock had 3 sacks, Hollywood threw a few nice deep balls, and J-Life continued his excellent kicking streak.  And, really, IT'S HOMECOMING WEEK!  BEST WEEK OF THE YEAR!  Only if you win, though...

9/14 Ashwaubenon 26 - Lincoln 36

Would you want a piece of that?

We learned a lot about this group of young men during this game.  They came into the game after getting smoked one week ago, mostly because they just couldn't seem to tackle a very talented running back.  Then the game started.  And then whistles came out (more than 30 flags would hit the ground during this game, and the most critical - and bogus - would be against the Ships).  And then the defense gave up a touchdown.  And then the offense, on the next play, gave up a fumble return for a touchdown.  Thanks to a blocked PAT and missed PAT, the Ships were down 12-0.  This team could have folded.  This team could have hung their heads.  They could have said, "we're getting screwed all over this field, we can't win."  They didn't.  And it was AWESOME.  The defense gave up two more touchdowns the rest of the way (it's going to happen with this scheme - some passes will just hit and they live with that) but they forced 5 turnovers!  And the offense, oh my, got its groove back.

9/7 Green Bay Preble 49 - Lincoln 14

The highlight of the night?

42 points at halftime.  295 yards rushing by one running back.  At halftime.  I'm not quite sure how to write about getting shellacked.  It just stung to see all those fine young men getting steamrolled by a team that was more prepared, intense, and fundamentally sound.  And it happened at home.  We can't come out and play like this cat sounds.  And we won't.  Because if sports teach our youth anything, it's that you must learn from your mistakes; you are not judged when you fail - we all fail - but how you respond to that failure.  If I know anything about this team, it's that they will tackle, block, and be otherwise fundamentally sound Friday night.  And if they do that, I wouldn't want to be a Jaguar lining up across from them...

8/31 Lincoln 49 - Sheboygan North 12

It was a B.E.A.UTIFUL night for football!

Indeed.  That was the way this team should have played last week!  They had it all goin' on against North - Lefty had 180 yards passing, Muscles had around a buck fitty rushing, and the starting defense would have had a shutout had they lined up correctly on North's TD run.  That was an exemplary performance.  Let's get right to it!

8/24 Lincoln 10 - Green Bay Southwest 20

Yup.  I count Two and a Half.

That. One. Hurts. There's no way around it - effort alone cannot win a football game.  Execution is everything. When the QB audibles to a QB sneak on 1st and goal from the 1, you have to hear that call (or you have to say it louder).  If you're a TE and you're assignment is to block the outside linebacker on a 5-step drop pass play, you have to at least touch him, or the QB might throw an interception as a result of getting hit.  When the coaches take a timeout and tell you a screen is coming, you cannot lose the FB in the backfield.  And, above all else, you have to know your lane assignments on kickoff and stick to them.  Gentlemen, the effort was there. The game was exhilarating to watch.  But that is no way to lose a football game.  The good news is that you got that one out of the way.  The good news is that when you woke up Saturday morning, you realized you probably played your worst game of the season.  And, without a garbage pick-6 with 30 seconds left in the game, you lost to the conference favorites by just 3 points.  Which means that any one of the aforementioned plays could have changed the entire game in your favor.  You are right on the precipice, gentlemen.  This week you'll take the leap.  As frustrating as that loss was, I know greatness is coming.

We have a new staff photographer for this season.  His pretty pictures are after the jump.

Here Come The Ships

The cougars tell me they aren't just accomplished football players - they're also pretty cute.

Welcome back!  It's been far, far too long.  If you're new to the blog this year, I encourage you to read the initial post to get a sense of why I started doing this.  In fact, this blog was started for just two and a half people, and their parents.  10,000 page views later, it's become something else.  The popularity of the blog, combined with my new role this year, will likely change how I approach my posts this year.  But I will try and stay true to the two things that made the blog such a success last year: a celebration of the Lincoln Ships Football Team and the necessary snark to keep everyone entertained and humble.

After the jump is the only 2012 Lincoln Ships Football Preview you'll ever need to read (with apologies to the HTR).  Let's go Ships!  #ShipsPride

10/28 Hamilton 27 - Lincoln 24 OT - Level 2

One last time...

Well, that happened.  The Ships were on the wrong side of a thriller for the first time this season, but they did not go gently into that good night.  Down 21-7 with 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter, the Ships did not hang their heads.  They did not feel sorry for themselves.  They raged.  Oh, indeed, they raged.  Tanner stepped up on his biggest play of the season, completing a huge 4th down pass to Pistol by stepping up and GUNNING the ball for a 10-ish yard gain and a first down.  Suzuki later ripped off an 18 yard touchdown run, led by a great block by the Island of Austin Morreau.  On the ensuing kickoff, The Mayor leveled a hit so vicious, the Charger (who fumbled immediately) was down for 7 and a half minutes (somehow, he returned to the game - how his ribs weren't cracked, I'll never know).

While the Ships failed to score on that drive, Lincoln got the ball back after an excellent three and out, plus a failed punt-fake by Hamilton.  After a false start (thanks student section), the Ships had to pass on 1st and 15.  Interception.  But all was not lost.  The defense bore down, again, forcing another three and out.  After an actual punt, Lincoln went to their best play - HB option pass.  The Swiss Army Knife completed a rainbow to Pistol for 40 yards (Pistol - you were even held coming out of the blocks... how'd you get so far behind them!?!)  After a couple of failed runs from inside the 5, Suzuki, led by another fantastic block by the Island of Austin Morreau, scored a touchdown to seemingly tie the game.

Now, I say "seemingly" because an extra point isn't a sure thing and the coaches may have wanted to go for a 2-point conversion.  The coaching staff, correctly, played the percentages and opted for the extra point.  Mr. Vance's kick, however, was the lowest line-drive PAT I've ever seen make it through the uprights.  I swear, that ball was almost under the crossbar when it ricocheted up and over, clearing the sticks for the extra point.

Sure, OT sucked.  You'll hear no argument from me.  Just remember that only one team in Division 1 ends the season with a win.  The odds were against you.  You had a great chance but, really, a coin-toss was all the difference.  You had a great season, one that you will remember for the rest of your lives.  Heck, I saw two former Ships from the 80's wearing their old jerseys this weekend, and they don't have rings, either.  So, congratulations on a great season.  Let's get to the pictures.

10/21 Milwaukee Madison 0 - Lincoln 42 - Level 1

It's always a great night for a game.

The Knights never had a chance.  We knew it.  They knew it.  But we had to go through that charade all the same.  The Milwaukee public schools just don't have the resources to compete, to say nothing about having enough kids without jobs to field a team or schedule practices that everyone can make.  Nope, this game was always going to be just like that scene in American History X - a complete curb stomping.  Gentlemen, this was and will be your first and only playoff game that was over before halftime.  Time to switch gears and get ready for a capable team.  But first, let's take a look at the action.

10/15 De Pere 14 - Lincoln 34 - Senior Night

I'm not sure why a bunch of white, teenage girls love Mexican men but, whatever.

Undefeated regular season!  That is impressive.  Great job to everyone on that team.  We've really enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the playoffs.  But before you worry about the playoffs, take the weekend and enjoy 9-0.  Don't worry about 0-0 yet (that'll come Monday).  Take it from me - live in the moment of this.  What you've accomplished with all those countless hours in the gym, practice field, and classroom - it's just awesome!

As for the game, well, we've been spoiled.  This was a 34-14 and I got the sense that some people were disappointed.  That's just silly.  Coming into the game, the Ships were averaging 38 points per game in conference play while giving up 10 per game.  So, yes, 34-14 is slightly below average.  But they were playing an opponent who averaged 16 points per game in conference play, but was giving up just 12.5 per game.  We held them below their average in points scored and we wrecked their defensive average.  Oh, I think it also should be noted that there were only two teams in the conference that gave up less than 14 points per game (Manitowoc and Green Bay SW).  Also, there was only one team (Manitowoc) that averaged more than 34 points per game in conference (Ashwaubenon was second, scoring 28 per game).  It was a good game but a long game.  I guess you'll have that when the other team has 45 pass attempts (please, coaches - pretty please - put in a man cover 2... you have the athletes, just use them).

As always, the story is best told in pretty pictures.  So sit back and put down the remote.  I heard the camera clicking a lot this game...

9/30 Linoln 38 - Sheboygan South 6

Suzuki was the star of this game, even if the student section gave Mr. Vance MVP honors.  In the 38-6 route, Suzuki ran 18 times for 198 yards, scoring twice.  With Tanner completing just 3 of 13 passes (not all his fault), someone needed to give the offense a boost.  With 11.0 ypc, Suzuki did just that.

Since this blog is read mostly by football players, let's get to the pictures:

What a night for a game!

He's a RUNNING BACK.  You have to hand him the ball.

That's more like it.  And it was Suzuki's first TD of the night.

The defense got an early boost from Bubba, who plucked this baby out of the air and took it to the house.

The Ships still haven't fixed their biggest problem on defense: too many receivers get behind them.

Let's just hope they don't run into a QB who can complete these passes.

After a long option run by South for a touchdown, the Mayor rejected the proposed extra point plan.

Bongo Bongle did not appreciate that scoring drive.  "UNACCEPTABLE!"

The line did a nice job here for Tanner on a 2 yard QB sneak for a TD in the second quarter.

Coach Dixon is more subtle than Bongo Bongle.

Way to climb the ladder for the pick, Mr. Vance...

But you're not Prime Time.  Tuck that ball in!

Only in high school sports: A father calls a play for his son to pass to his other son.  Touchdown.  I loved it.

Some good hits in this one, but Eli didn't have the best.  That honor goes to:

The Mayor's new city revival project involves the decapitation of Redwings.  Honestly, this hit was SICK.  It was so good, the refs didn't know what to do about it, so they threw a flag.  15 yards for being too awesome.

Lest we forget about the trenches, the Island of Austin Morreau was ready to erupt in the 3rd quarter.

Phew.  It would have been weird if this didn't happen.

No matter.  Suzuki enjoyed some great down field blocking (how do the center and tackle get 15 yards down field to block the safety?) for his second TD of the night.

Hmmmmmm.  That's not quite right.  Let's try this:

YEAH BUDDY!  Hammer time!

Mr. Vance had another interception, but I'm not going to show it because he held the ball like this again.  TUCK IT IN!

In fact, I think I'll just show the one you missed, too.

So.  Close.

9/23 Green Bay East 0 - Lincoln 51

This one got ugly quickly.  In the Ships' triumphant return to Rubick Field, East could not end their 329 game losing streak.  Sources informed me that it got a little dusty on the East sideline after the game.  I don't know what would have happened had, say, the offense completed at least 50% of their passes.  Or if any of the running backs broke a long run.  It was an odd game to watch: a blowout with no big offensive plays.  


We'll talk about Nick's second rushing touchdown, Jonah filling up on pancakes, and TFL's for Austin in later posts.  Let's just get to the action...

#Schmoozing.

Let's not forget that it was Parent's Night! Or that Pistol clearly thinks our staff photographer is a creep!

"Yeah, I think we have the best looking assistant coaches in the conference."

The Captains' Meeting and Coin Toss are the most underrated moments of Friday night lights.  If they can get everyone in the weight room this offseason, we should be seeing two and a half men out there next year.

This one's just for me.  I like that I caught the coin.

Tanner started out the game throwing into coverage...

And overthrowing the Pistol...

And, well, you get the point.

In other news, the Mayor has ended the city's feed the poor program:  NO SOUP FOR YOU!

Hall came to play.  First, forcing an intentional grounding penalty...

Then, on the very next play, cradling the punter to bring him to "safety."

Tanner doesn't ever miss Pistol twice in one game...

Aww hell.  I'll say this for our QB, though - he knows when to get his bad game out of the way.

Hey, Pistol - you aint' draggin' Fatty McFatters AND #54.  Just stop and don't hurt yourself.

It's always bromantical when the Ships score a touchdown.

I gotta give props to the Hogs, here.  I mean, just LOOK at that running lane.  Big A had no one to block.

Flying to the ball.  Literally.

The other underrated part of Friday night lights.

The backups came in shortly after halftime.  There's really only one thing I want to emphasize about their performance, which was excellent, by the way.

Check out the Big O chasing down the one player who could (would) have made a tackle on Clubber.

Without that block, Clubber doesn't score.  And he doesn't get interviewed for the paper, either.  So Clubber better give the Big O some love this week, cause that block was AWESOME.

Finally, how many points did East score?

Looks like a "zero" to me.