The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award for week 8 goes to Head Coach Kevin Collins from Lincoln High School in San Jose, CA.
The Lincoln Lions went on the road and picked up a crucial BVAL Santa Teresa Division win to continue their undefeated streak in league play. Lincoln defeated Westmont 14-6 in a low scoring game, handing Westmont their first conference loss and thrashing their perfect record.
The only points in the first half of the game came from a pair of field goals by Westmont's Peter Vadasz. Heading into the half it was Westmont leading 6-0 with Lincoln having turned the ball over three times.
With a first half that saw no touchdowns for either team, Lincoln was able to flip the script and came out strong in the second half. Senior Esteban Mosqueda had a 65-yard kickoff return to fuel Lincoln to start the half.
"The kids kept their spirits in the right spots after not playing so well the first half. They stayed together and played hard, and did a great job of responding quick in the second half," said Lincoln Head Coach Kevin Collins.
The third quarter alone saw more touchdowns than the entire first half, and in fact, it would be the only quarter either team was able to get seven. Junior WB Robert Najar was also able to find the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown run for Lincoln to add to the lead.
Lincoln's two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter would be the last scores of the night. Westmont had no answer for Lincoln's offensive attack, as the Lions were able to keep Westmont out of the end zone the entire game. Coach Collins was proud of the way the defense came out and played, holding Westmont to just the two field goals.
"The defense played outstanding. They were on the field for a long time in that first half, and they just kept coming up big in key times," said Coach Collins.
Lincoln's offense was able to convert and pick up key first downs in the fourth quarter and run out the clock.
"It was definitely a defensive battle. They prepared well for us, and we prepared well for them," said Coach Collins.
"We have a good group of kids from the character standpoint," insisted Collins. "We are doing as well as we are because of the nature of the kids. They handle adversity on the football field well. They come prepared, and they care about the product they put on the field. Winning aside, it's a good team to coach."
Lincoln has another division game ahead of them Saturday as they get set to play Sobrato and look to continue their unbeaten streak in league play.
As part of The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award, Kevin Collins will receive a $1,000 grant for Lincoln High School from the 49ers Foundation. As our Coach of the Week, he will also receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field. In the weeks leading up to the game, Coach Collins will be invited to visit the SAP Performance Facility to watch a closed practice where 49ers Head Coach Jim Tomsula will officially present him with his award. Coach Collins will also be featured on Cal-Hi Sports.
Congratulations Coach Collins and the entire Lions team!
