The Union County-Northeastern football opener last Friday night nearly filled the stands at Curry/Phenis Field.  Patriot bleachers were  filled to near overflowing compared to few who sat in the “Visitor” section.

It was quite the opposite on the program, which held 50 NE players to 35 on the Patriot roster. The final score on the scoreboard, 61-0 Northeastern victory,   similarly displayed the same difference. The Knights have enjoyed a rich football history during the past few years which carries a lot of weight at sign-up time when 50 players are on the roster along with a seasoned coaching staff.

“Although our numbers are up, we have maybe four kids total that have game experience,” coach Joel Hofman said. “NE varsity was 8-1 and JV went undefeated last year so all those kids have had success and tons of playing time.”  

To 61 Knight points in four quarters breaks down to 2-touchdowns plus additional points per quarter from upper-classmen who know what to do with the pigskin.

“We sustained minor injuries through the game that really limited our substitutions and had our guys on the field way too long,” Hofman said. “At some point in the fourth quarter, we also tried to pull our starters and focus on getting the younger some time.”

Three Knights (two juniors and a sophomore) scored three times each to give them an additional boost.

“It was not the showing we wanted to begin the season and ultimately that falls on me,” coach said. “I’ve got to rally these guys this week and get them ready to play on Friday.”

Friday, Aug. 25, the Patriots travel to Cambridge City to take on the Eagles. Game time is 7 p.m. Come on Patriot fans, fill the stands to show them that you care on Friday nights!

Lincoln is on a 21-game losing streak dating back to Sept. 18, 2020.