By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Lincoln may be known as the Red Raiders, but last night you could have called them the Ghostbusters.

Lincoln opened up their season in dominating fashion, putting up 35 points in the first half in a 42-0 route of the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts. Early in the first quarter, it was Jacob Mancl who got the party started for Lincoln, taking in an early rushing touchdown to put the Red Raiders up 7-0. Isaac Pelot decided to join the party, adding his own rushing touchdown to quickly put Lincoln up 14-0.

Isaac Pelot lands in the endzone for his second touchdown. (City Times Photo)

It was more of the same throughout the rest of the first half, with a staunch Red Raider defense that would go on to hold Kaukauna to under 100 yards of total offense for the entire game. In addition, free safety Tom Biolo recovered a fumble early in the third quarter to cap off an impressive defensive night.

“We stepped up,” said Head Coach Tony Biolo. “They tried to throw early, and got themselves into trouble. We had really good play out of the line, and our linebackers and DB’s stepped up.”

Isaiah Westfall. (City Times Photo)

Pelot and Mancl added in two more rushing touchdowns, as well as Keegan Hewitt, who added one of his own. Of course the game wouldn’t be complete without production from the top ranked wide receiver in the state, as Isaiah Westfall caught a 30-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Westfall would put up 90 yards from four receptions for the home opener.

Needless to say, the offensive wealth was spread, and this offense is anything but selfish.

“It doesn’t matter who gets the job done; as long as we’re winning as a group,” said Biolo. “There’s no pouting if they don’t get the ball.”

Mancl was even more impressive, going 14-for-22 with 176 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Issac Pelot ran for 95 yards on 16 carries. The Red Raiders will face a challenge next week when they head to Kimberly to face the top-10 state ranked Papermakers. The game will be a challenge to say the least, but Biolo is confident in his squad.

“We have to play our best game we can play and let everything else just happen.”