LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — The Lincoln University football team will look to end a three game snide against Virginia State University (4-4). With two games remaining at 3-5, the Lions still have a chance to finish 2009 with a .500 record. GAME NOTES

In last week's 54-18 lost to Elizabeth City University, there were a few bright spots. True freshman Laquan Williams (Philadelphia, PA, Bartram) continues to show poise that belies his years. He finished the day 11-for-21, tossing two touchdowns for 167 yards. For the season, Williams has thrown for 679 yards and six touchdowns. He has proved to be a double threat as the second leading rusher with 203 yards.

Senior Trey Thomas (Canton, GA, Woodstock)  caught four passes for 70 yards. He is first on the team with 40 receptions and 510 receiving yards. On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Brandon McElwee (Gloucester City, NJ, Gloucester City Junior and Senior) showed his All-American talent with 15 tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked punt that resulted in a second-quarter safety. He has 61 tackles on the year, second behind tag-teamer Brucelee Sterile (Miami, FL, North Miami Beach) with 72.

The Trojans from Virginia State are looking to end a slide of their own with two straight losses against Saint Paul's and Virginia Union. Lincoln should expect a grind-it-out game. Virginia State is among the CIAA's lowest in scoring at 18.8 points per game. They are second in defense, allowing 18.4 points per game. They also lead the conference in pass defense with 113.4 yards per outing, a figure that also ranks second nationally.

The team's leading rusher is sophomore Antwain Lyde who has rushed for 479 yards and three touchdowns this season. Junior Leonard Johnson starts under center. He has thrown for 980 yards and eight touchdowns.

Saturday's game will be special in many respects. It will be the last home game of the season before the team's season ending game at Saint Paul's. Saturday is also senior day for Lincoln's fall athletes. For Thomas, Kareem Dennis (Philadelphia, PA, Lincoln), Carlos Velasquez (North Hills, CA, San Fernando), Myles Fleming (Carlisle, PA, Carlisle), Dominique Harper (Philadelphia, PA, George Washington), Frank Lee (New Orleans, LA, Belle Chasse), and Blair Shepherd (Temple Hills, MD, Crossland) , it will be the last time they will grace the field at Avon Grove High School.

They will surely hope that their last hurrah is one for the ages. Regardless of what happens, they will be remembered for being the leaders in the reemergence of Lincoln football.