Lincoln County imposed its will from the opening snap Friday night, rolling to a 56–0 second-round playoff win over Hawkinsville behind a relentless ground attack and a suffocating defensive performance.
Red Devils control the first half on the ground
Lincoln County opened the game with a strong scoring drive consisting of only runs. The drive was capped by a 15-yard touchdown from Lincoln County running back Kelby Glaze, taking a 7–0 lead with 8:40 left in the first quarter. After recovering a Hawkinsville fumble on the next possession, the Red Devils struck again. Lincoln County wide receiver Nasir Gartrell finished the drive off by powering into the end zone from 12 yards out to extend the lead to 14–0.
Hawkinsville finally found some life when they converted a fake punt early in the second quarter on a 4th and 8. After a few first downs, Hawkinsville would get all the way to the Lincoln County 25-yard line. However, the Red Devils defense showed its dominance yet again by stuffing a 4th and 2 to halt the drive. A couple of plays into Lincoln County’s next series, Glaze broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 21–0 with 6:21 left in the half.
A perfect way to end the half
Lincoln County cornerback and kicker, Fortson Partridge, intercepted Hawkinsville on the next drive. This would setup Lincoln County at the 31-yard line in Hawkinsville territory. Lincoln County quarterback Mekhi Wade opened the drive by completing a 20-yard pass to the Hawkinsville 9 yard line. Christian Elam finished the series with a 4-yard touchdown, making it 28–0 with 3:08 remaining in the half.
After a series of penalties derailed Hawkinsville’s next drive, Lincoln County added one more score before halftime. The Red Devils converted a perfectly executed fake field goal as time expired. Wade lofted a pass to Walker Thornton for a 6-yard touchdown, sending the Red Devils into the break up 35–0.
Lincoln County keeps the pressure on
Hawkinsville opened the third quarter with a couple of first downs but lost another fumble. Lincoln County responded with a steady drive aided by two Hawkinsville penalties before Wade ripped off a 24-yard touchdown run, stretching the lead to 42–0 with 4:14 left in the third.
Another Hawkinsville fumble on the following possession set up a one-play touchdown drive for Lincoln County right after. Lincoln County’s Aiden Jones sprinted 30 yards and found his way into the endzone to make it 49–0 with 1:39 remaining in the quarter.
Red Devils close out the shutout
Lincoln County added one more score in the fourth quarter when Bryson Elam punched in an 8-yard touchdown with 5:42 left, sealing the 56–0 victory and sending the Red Devils into the third round with momentum and one of their most dominant performances of the season.
The Red Devils will take on 7-5 Brooks County next Friday in the quarter finals with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.
