A season of promise
The Lincoln Abes are entering a crucial 2026 campaign that could define the program’s trajectory. After a 2025 season that delivered an 8‑4 record and a quarterfinal berth, the team knows it must tighten up the inconsistencies that cost them against rivals such as Mount Tahoma and Franklin Pierce.
At the heart of the offense is senior quarterback Sione Kaho, the state’s top‑ranked high school passer and a Stanford commit. His arm strength and poise have already drawn praise from coaches and teammates, and the staff plans to give him the freedom to stretch the field and take calculated risks.
Supporting Kaho will be a cadre of playmakers that includes wide receiver Elijah Carney, a future Eastern Washington Eagle, and running back JT Williams. The backfield also features emerging talents Uzyah Thomas and Noah Dennis, who have been working to add depth and versatility to the rushing attack.
Coach Masaki Matsumoto, now in his twelfth year at Lincoln, is opening the offensive playbook to accommodate a more aggressive style. He emphasizes disciplined defensive backs and a balanced attack that can exploit mismatches, while still honoring the team’s tradition of hard‑nosed, physical football.
The schedule reflects a tough early slate, beginning with a September 5 home clash against Kamiak, followed by matchups at Yelm and Central Kitsap. October brings road tests at Mount Tahoma and Bellarmine Prep, culminating in a highly anticipated showdown at Silas in late October.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the Abes are building a community narrative that blends athletic ambition with academic excellence. The program’s visibility in local media, including visits from The News Tribune, underscores the excitement surrounding a season that could put Lincoln back among the elite in the South Sound.