La Center, WA – Senior Lincoln Taylor is savoring an extra week of football thanks to the Wildcats’ 43‑26 victory over Cascade (Leavenworth) in the Class 1A Week 10 playoff game. “I’m just super grateful to have another week with my boys,” Taylor said, noting the value of every practice and game as the season stretches into the state playoffs.
From bench to two‑way starter
Taylor’s journey to becoming a starting offensive lineman and linebacker was anything but guaranteed. Coaches label him a “Program Guy,” a player who commits all four high‑school years to a team without any promise of stardom. Early in his career, he doubted his abilities, but relentless work in the weight room and a year‑round wrestling background helped him bulk up and improve his skills.
“After wrestling season I would go straight to the weight room for spring and summer, and put on as much weight as I could for football, so I could get that starting spot,” he explained. The effort paid off when coaches moved him to linebacker before this summer, and he immediately began making plays on both sides of the ball.
Coach Lambert praises work ethic
La Center head coach John Lambert credited Taylor’s rise to his “work ethic and drive to make himself a better football player.” Lambert added that players like Taylor are the backbone of a successful program, and seeing a “Program Guy” become a standout is a coach’s reward.
Taylor also highlighted the role of his teammates: “This group of guys, they’re the people who got me here… it’s just been the most special experience for me to spend the season with these guys.”
Wildcats’ playoff outlook
The win sends La Center to the 1A state playoffs for the fifth straight year. The Wildcats, now 7‑2, will learn their official seed and opponent on Sunday, with the state playoff game scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13 or Saturday, Nov. 15. La Center quarterback Brody Mills contributed three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, while Adrian Whited added two rushing scores. Nate Rembisz caught two touchdowns and kicked a 35‑yard field goal.
Although Cascade scored two late touchdowns to narrow the margin, La Center controlled the game from start to finish, building a 43‑12 lead before the final score.
Looking ahead
Beyond the immediate excitement, Taylor’s story underscores the value of perseverance, faith in one’s teammates, and dedication to a community program. As the Wildcats prepare for the state playoffs, they carry forward the spirit of hard work and unity that defined their latest victory.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
