Week 14 City Game of the Week: Lincoln Hornets 35, Mission Hills Grizzlies 14

Last season, the Lincoln Hornets celebrated a late season run to Southwestern College in Division II.

This season, they’ll do the same thing – just one rung higher.

Thanks to a dominant performance from freshman quarterback Sam Cooper, alongside three turnovers, Lincoln defeated Mission Hills 35 to 14 to advance to the Division I finals against Oceanside.

“I couldn’t have done it without my line,” Cooper said. “I was nervous…and they just took me.”

Cooper, who has seen playing time this season, was called into action after turnovers on the first two drives of the game against the Grizzlies – including an interception returned for a touchdown by Jaiden Letua.

But once Cooper entered the game, the Hornets switched to a running attack – and Cooper’s legs would end up in a rushing touchdown to tie the game at seven.

2019 Silver Pigksin Finalist Keyshawn Smith would enter the end zone next, after a two yard jet sweep. Lincoln would not relinquish the lead after that.

Lincoln found ways to use their weapons in the third quarter. PPR Special Teams Player of the Year nominee Benjo O’Brien showed his offensive skills with a 55 yard catch, followed by a six yard touchdown catch. Casanova Coleman would also score on an eight yard touchdown run.