Lincoln Abes Battle Hard, Conclude Memorable WIAA 3A Playoff Run

TACOMA, WA - The gridiron dreams of the Lincoln High School Abes came to a heartfelt close this past weekend, as their valiant WIAA 3A playoff journey concluded with a hard-fought contest. While the final score against the Mount Tahoma T-Birds didn't fall their way, the Abes left everything on the field, capping off a truly memorable season for the Tacoma faithful. This team embodied the heart and hustle synonymous with Washington state prep football, proving their mettle against top-tier competition throughout the fall.

A Season Defined by Resiliency and Dominance

Under the expert guidance of Head Coach Marcus Thorne, the Lincoln Abes carved out an impressive 8-4 overall record, finishing a strong second in their district with a 4-1 mark. Their path to the WIAA state semifinals was paved with grit, highlighted by a thrilling victory in the WIAA 3A First Round against the Rainier Beach Vikings. Each snap, tackle, and touchdown demonstrated the dedication these young athletes pour into their craft, making every Friday night a spectacle for the Lincoln community.

The Abes' offensive firepower was consistently on display, led by the dynamic arm of junior quarterback Jamal "Flash" Dixon. Dixon, a true field general, often connected with senior wide receiver Kevin Chen, who was a consistent threat with his agility and sure hands. In their recent playoff contest, stats show Dixon impressively threw for 195 yards, with Chen mirroring that production by hauling in an outstanding 195 receiving yards. These individual efforts, combined with relentless team play, kept opponents on their toes and the scoreboard operator busy.

Coach Thorne's Leadership and Team Spirit

Coach Marcus Thorne has instilled a culture of discipline and passion within the Lincoln program. His ability to rally his players, especially after tough district battles, speaks volumes about his leadership. The unity shown by the Abes, from the defensive line's unyielding pressure to the offensive unit's synchronized plays, was a testament to the strong bonds formed throughout the season. Every practice, every film session, and every game was approached with a focus that pushed these student-athletes to excel, not just on the field but in life.

The passion exuded by the Abes wasn't just for wins, but for the love of the game and representing their school with pride. They showcased the very best of Washington high school football, competing fiercely and leaving a lasting legacy for future Lincoln teams.

Building for a Bright Future

Though the sting of playoff elimination is fresh, the future for Lincoln Abes football looks incredibly promising. With key players like junior quarterback Jamal Dixon gaining invaluable experience and the program's strong foundation, Coach Thorne and his squad are poised for continued success. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, kicking off with a non-district matchup against Kamiak on September 4, the lessons learned and the camaraderie forged this year will undoubtedly fuel their drive for another deep WIAA playoff run.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.