Abraham Lincoln will try to rebound from an 0–1 start when it hosts undefeated Eagle Academy II on Friday at 6 p.m. for a high-stakes 4A opener at Abraham Lincoln High School Field.
The Railsplitters are looking to recover after losing to Abraham Lincoln of Philadelphia, 40–13, on Sept. 5. Eagle Academy enters at 2–0 after defeating Friendship Collegiate Academy, 14–12, and Archbishop Hoban, 24–20. Both teams reached the 4A playoffs last season, with Lincoln advancing to the semifinals and Eagle falling to Curtis in the opening round.
Lincoln enters conference play with a rebuilt offense led by quarterback Michael Misla, a transfer who helped Sheepshead Bay High School win the 3A championship last season. Facing Philadelphia’s Lincoln gave Misla and the Railsplitters an early test that could help prepare them for PSAL competition.
Lincoln also returns an athletic group featuring running back Mekhi Negron, receiver Somari DeCoteau and two-way player Giovani Napoleon. Negron provides speed and big-play ability from the backfield, while DeCoteau gives Misla an experienced target in the passing game.
Defensively, linebacker Xavier Kayne and safety Amyr Ivory Jr. will be important against Eagle’s explosive offense. Lincoln must tackle well in space and prevent Zy’eare Schulters from breaking long runs. The Railsplitters also cannot afford to give Eagle short fields through turnovers or special-teams mistakes.
Eagle Academy is led by quarterback Anthony Caratelli, who completed 12 of 21 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown against Hoban. Schulters added 121 rushing yards and a score on nine carries, while C.J. McCracken turned his only reception into a 90-yard touchdown. Josiah Brown, Beyty Diouf, Charles Simmons and Juvens Lindor provide additional experience on both sides of the football.
The biggest question for Lincoln is whether its offense can create enough explosive plays against Eagle’s experienced defense. The Railsplitters cannot afford another slow start or allow the Eagles to control possession with their running game.
This matchup should reveal plenty about the 4A championship picture. Lincoln wants to prove its opening loss was only a temporary setback, while Eagle Academy is trying to show that its impressive 2–0 start has made it a legitimate championship contender.
Prediction: Eagle Academy II 28, Abraham Lincoln 14. Lincoln should play better at home, but Eagle’s experience, defensive depth and early victories against strong out-of-state competition give the Eagles the advantage.
