Normally pass-heavy Lincoln has revved up its rushing attack behind Abner Sio-Fetaui
Lincoln High School football has showcased an explosive passing offense the past several seasons. Entering this week’s Class 3A state semifinals matchup with Eastside Catholic, the Abes are averaging nearly 270 yards per game through the air behind senior quarterback Caden Filer and an outfit of athletic receivers.
But Lincoln’s recent emphasis on its backfield — more specifically on senior running back Abner Sio-Fetaui, this years 3A Pierce County League MVP — could be pivotal as the No. 3 Abes (10-2) attempt to knock off the defending state champion and second-ranked Crusaders (10-1) on Saturday afternoon in Sammamish.
“Last year, obviously, our offense was more pass-oriented … this year we’re a little more balanced,” Lincoln coach Masaki Matsumoto said.
“We wanted to take a chance on the run game, and it developed a lot,” Sio-Fetaui said. “That’s a key to success for our offense, and we keep getting better and better.”
Sio-Fetaui has been at the center of this suddenly heavy rushing attack since late October, averaging 16 carries over Lincoln’s past five games, which included milestone wins over 3A PCL rivals Lakes (20 carries, 106 yards) and Bethel (21 carries, 174 yards).
He has rushed for more than 100 yards in a game seven times this season, including four in the past five weeks, and averages 10.6 yards per carry.
“Abner has just stepped up to the plate like we knew he would,” Matsumoto said. “We knew he was one of our best players later year. Not many people did. We said, ‘Hey, Lakes on, we’re going to ride you,’ and he’s delivered.”
Lincoln’s coaching staff already saw a hard-nosed, effective runner in Sio-Fetaui back when he was still playing middle school football.
“All I knew was just run straight,” Sio-Fetaui said. “As I came to high school, I started to slim down and still keep that hard way of running, and tried to get quicker.”
Early morning workouts, agility and conditioning drills throughout high school — and playing rugby with several football teammates for Tacoma Tsunami during the offseason — helped him consistently develop.
Sio-Fetaui led the Abes in rushing last season, too, compiling 61 carries for 530 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. He was injured early on in Lincoln’s stunning loss to Lakes, missed the next two games with a foot contusion, and was limited in the Abes’ season-ending loss to Rainier Beach.
“When I got hurt last year, I felt so useless like I couldn’t be there for my team and wasn’t 100 percent,” Sio-Fetaui said. “But now, injury-free, I’m so happy I can be there for my team. … This year, I’m not holding back on anything. I’m just going to keep going for however long we can.”
His production has more than doubled his senior season. He has collected 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns on 122 carries in 11 games played this season, and the Abes have combined to rush for more than 200 yards per game.
“He’s just so well-rounded,” Bethel coach Mark Iddins said. “He just keeps going about his business. He’s had an impressive year.”
Led by Sio-Fetaui’s efficiency, Lincoln’s evolving ground game has quickly become a head-scratcher for opposing teams. The Abes proved Bethel’s toughest matchup — and the Braves played five other state qualifiers on their schedule, including top-ranked 3A program O’Dea.
“They can throw the ball really well, so you can’t sit there and focus on (Sio-Fetaui),” Iddins said. “And if you don’t, he’s going to gash you. … He runs hard downhill, he’s tough to tackle and sometimes he just shot out of the cannon coming out of the backfield.”
Sio-Fetaui has been just as valuable to Lincoln’s defense, with 33 tackles at inside linebacker and a team-leading three sacks.
But Matsumoto said he’s most proud of how Sio-Fetaui has grown as a team leader this season, helping guide Lincoln through this unprecedented playoff run.
“He really sees that this team has potential to keep making history,” Matsumoto said. “It’s his senior year, so I think he’s just all in, nothing to lose, and we’re thankful for that.”
“We can really do something,” Sio-Fetaui said. “We’re the first team in Lincoln history to make it to the semis. It’s really crazy. We don’t take it lightly. We’re going to keep pushing.”
