WEST LINCOLN — First year Head Coach Johnny Ball told his team he was proud of them as they took a knee on the sideline following a 26-6 loss to Puckett Friday night. West Lincoln is now 0-3 to start the season while Puckett improved to a 3-0 record. 

Ball said he knew Puckett would be a tough game for his kids but it was an experience he wanted them to have. His team reacted the way he wanted them to, they fought to the final whistle and scored a late touchdown after piecing together a long drive. 

“I wanted our kids to experience a war, to experience a battle. Puckett is an unbelievably good team,” Ball said. “It was good to be in this one tonight despite the fumbles. I wanted our team to experience hardship and to respond with aggression. It means the world to me that we did. I want our kids to feel like they can compete against anybody.” 

West Lincoln had a rough time securing the football. In total, the team fumbled eight times losing seven of those fumbles. The opening drive was cut short on a fumble which led to Puckett’s first touchdown. After the first quarter, Puckett led 7-0. 

Senior safety Tyler Hall delivered a break for the defense in the second half following a short punt. He jumped high into the air to make an interception in the endzone to prevent a sure touchdown for Puckett. 

Hall would break up another pass to the endzone to force a turnover on downs. His ability to cover space and pressure from the defensive line led to Hall’s second interception of the night. A lazy pass was thrown over the middle and Hall caught it like a punt and took off. In mid stride, he bobbled the ball, the ball left his hands and he contorted his body to catch the ball again and continue running. He never broke stride as he returned the interception to the 30 yard line. 

The play ensured it was still 7-0 at halftime. 

“We allow Tyler to play free back there and be our centerfielder,” Ball said. “Our strengths have allowed us to be heavy in the box and force quick throws that will be deep which allows him to play centerfield. He makes up for mistakes that our underneath coverage makes. It is the freedom we give him. He makes sure everyone is right, that is is job. You just have to let him go play. He is six inches from being a D1 safety.” 

Ball said he was proud of his defense, which prevented Puckett from scoring on four of the five fumbles the Bears lost in the first half. Puckett would have to use its speed and strength up front to score in the second half. A 20 yard screen pass, 11 yard rush and an eight yard rush were the scoring plays for Puckett as they made is 26-0 in the third quarter. 

West Lincoln did not give up. Braden Hamm ran up the gut for three yards and a touchdown to finish off a long drive with 0:36 left in the game. Hamm had several rushing plays over 10 yards in the drive. 

Ball told his team after the game they will need to build from it. One of the ways the team is building is by learning from mistakes made in game. 

“We have the wonderful opportunity to find out our identity,” Ball said. “In games, we are making mistakes that other teams make in summer practice and spring ball. Our staff is new and we are trying new things. They seem like they cost us a lot but I see it as us having to make mistakes to grow. Calm seas don’t make a good sailor. I want them to keep showing up, work hard and make ourselves proud. They have big hearts. I love these kids, it is so much fun watching them play.”