The ‘D’ dominates: Lincoln High hands Placer its first football shutout since 2007

Lincoln High School senior Jordan Wagner had a smile on his face after his team’s game on Friday night — and for good reason.

Wagner led a defense that dominated its rival on the road in Auburn. No. 10 Lincoln beat Placer 28-0 behind three touchdown runs from Gabriel Burns and a 15-yard touchdown strike in the fourth quarter from quarterback Johnny Bauser to Jaden Holm. Ryan Henning was Lincoln’s leading rusher with 88 yards.

It was Placer’s first shutout loss since the 2007 season.

“When our defense does its job, it’s one of the best in the section,” Wagner said. “We dominate and we are physical. We have a lot of players that can play a lot of different positions. It makes us very good and almost unbeatable.”

Wagner is the heart and soul of the Lincoln defense and has had multiple double-digit tackle games this season. On Friday night, Wagner had a sack to pair with multiple tackles for loss.

“I love hitting,” Wagner said. “I love shooting gaps and making reads. Linebacker is the best position on the field.”

He wasn’t the only player on Lincoln’s defense who stepped up. Kyle Morrison and Eli Standley both had two sacks each. Dylan Shoro had a sack, forced a fumble and caught a two-point conversion. Dylan Fear had an interception in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice.

No one on the field after the game soaked up the moment more than first-year Lincoln head coach Allen Berg. He returned to the program after spending the 2017-19 seasons as the school’s defensive coordinator. Previously, he was the head coach at Foothill High School, his alma mater.

“I love Lincoln,” Berg said. “As soon (as the job) opened up, this is where I wanted to be. The fans are awesome, the players, community and parents are great.”

Berg added about his defense, “We know that is the strength of our team. Jordan Wagner is ridiculous. He had a huge game. Sean Cotten dominated on the defensive line. They had a great game.”

The Zebras led 8-0 at halftime and 21-0 after three quarters. Placer failed to move the ball into Lincoln territory during the second half. Placer’s normal potent ground game was held to under 100 yards for the first time this season.

Lincoln (3-2) will host Oakmont next Friday. Placer (0-5) faces an uphill climb the rest of the season. In order to qualify for the postseason with four wins, the Hillmen will have to win out. Placer travels to Grass Valley to play Nevada Union next.

This story was originally published October 2, 2021 at 5:38 AM.