LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — This week, coaches hope for the continued development of Laquan Williams (Philadelphia, Pa./John Bartram HS) (Philadelphia, Pa.) as the Lincoln University football team (3-3) prepares for a 1 p.m. tilt with Virginia Union University (3-3) 1 p.m. Saturday at Avon Grove High School in West Grove Pa. GAME NOTES
The game culminates week-long Homecoming festivities at LU and will be broadcast live on www.BrandywineRadio.com.
Against Bowie State last week, Williams, a true freshman, showed marked improvement from his first two starts of his young career. He threw for two 214 yards and two scores and ran for another 20 yards. Should junior quarterback Brandon Austin (Greenville, N.C./Farmville Central) (Greenville, N.C.) miss action again this week, they will need him against Virginia Union, a team upset at Saint Paul's College 13-9.
“They're a big, physical unit,” offensive coordinator Josh Kyner said.
Kyner has been pleased with Williams' growth. The Lions have started three quarterbacks in 2009, and Williams entered 2009 fourth on the depth chart. If told back in August that those there would be three different starters in Lincoln's first four games, he said he would have thought that this would be a long season. Luckily, Williams' demeanor allowed him to step up.
“He's gaining valuable experience as a freshman,” Kyner said. “He's made some freshman mistakes, but he's a competitor and has a cool head. He doesn't get rattled.”
Lincoln hopes that he will be aided by D'Ante Smith (Bowie. Md./Riverdale Baptist HS) (Bowie, Md.). The sophomore running back tweaked a hamstring in a 114-yard effort against Livingstone and missed last week's game. The 5-8 back leads Lincoln with 307 yards rushing despite only playing four games.
Virginia Union averages 155 yards per game on the ground, led by Alexander Stevens' 64.4. The Panthers run a two-quarterback system. Sophomore Cheston Hickman has thrown for five touchdowns and 552 yards while running for another three scores and 86 yards. Noel Alexander has thrown for three touchdowns passes and 387 yards.
Rainy conditions are expected for the game, but it is not anticipated to dampen the spirits of the Homecoming ground. It may actually uplift the Lions. Each of Lincoln's three wins came in rainy contests. A pep rally was held Monday evening in packed Manuel Rivero Hall in anticipation of this weekend's big game.
“It's going to be a great environment, a sight to be seen,” Kyner said. “Homecoming is always fun.”
Next week, Lincoln travels to Elizabeth City State for a 1 p.m. game before returning home for the home finale against Virginia State. Each Lincoln game is broadcast on Brandywineradio.com.
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