For McMinn County junior Lincoln Watson, his first varsity football start was one that neither he nor his teammates will ever forget.
Watson’s determination and hard running behind a stout offensive line, led by West Virginia 3-star commit Camden Goforth, produced a record-tying performance in Friday’s thrilling 50-48 come-from-behind Region 3-5A win over state-ranked East Hamilton.
An excited and humbled Watson soon learned after the momentous win that his six touchdown runs — covering 16, 30, 1, 6, 6 and 4 yards — tied a 70-year-old single-game school record for the Cherokees.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Watson, who entered the regular season finale with 33 carries for 168 yards in seven games, and had not scored a TD since his freshman year against Howard, finished his first start with 39 rushes for 268 yards and also added a pair of catches for 21 yards. His effort has also earned Times Free Press Player of the Week honors.