YONKERS, N.Y. Lincoln High school football coach Rob Bannister was determined to start the 2012 season on a positive note after watching his Lancers struggle to an 0-9 record last year, so Bannister and his players can now build for the future on Saturday's 12-6 comeback victory over Peekskill.
"Last year there was a lot of talk about the team not winning any games," Bannister said during the team's summer practices. "Young players have to realize that it takes a lot of hard work to be a good football team. But you have to get them winning or they get discouraged."
Lincoln's program had struggled over the last decade winning just three games over the last five years and nine games since 2004.
Bannister brought a staff of coaches who played in Yonkers high schools to help get some strong leadership and football know-how for his team. Former Lincoln High star Nealon Greene has been handling the offense and former Roosevelt High standout Jeff DeLoatch II is working with the receivers and defensive backs.
"Everyone wants to win games," DeLoatch said. "We're going to try to get a winning attitude here. The kids are learning."
Tamir Tuglar scored on a 13-yard touchdown to break a 6-6 tie with just under two minutes to play in the game to lift the Lancers to a 12-6 victory, snapping a 12-game losing streak over two years.
Lincoln was 0-9 last fall in Bannister's first year as head coach. He inherited a struggling program that was 1-8 in 2010 and had won just three games in the last five seasons before this week's victory.
Lincoln running back Joshua Bennett scored on a 55-yard run in the second quarter to tie the score at 6-6. Bennett rushed for 81 yards on 10 carries to lead the Lancers. Bannister's defense is a bit ahead of the offense and had a good showing against Peekskill, allowing just one early touchdown.
The Lancers will face crosstown rival Saunders, a winner over Gorton in its opener, this coming Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Gorton High School.
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