High school football season preview: Lincoln Abes
The high school football season begins in early September and The News Tribune has been all over the South Sound, visiting local programs at practices before games begin. Up next, we’re previewing a handful of teams individually before the season kicks off.
Here’s how things are shaping up for the Lincoln Abes this fall.
Editor’s note: The “outlook” section for each program is pulled from the TNT’s preseason practice tour. Find the full practice tour story here, complete with insight on over 20 teams in the area, quotes, photos, videos and more.
LINCOLN ABES
Head coach: Masaki Matsumoto, 11th year
2024 results: 9-3, Class 3A state tournament quarterfinals
Offensive coordinator & base scheme: Shalls Jacome, Air Raid
Defensive coordinator & base scheme: Masaki Matsumoto, 4-2-5
OUTLOOK
Lincoln junior quarterback Sione Kaho, a four-star recruit, already has two years of starting experience under his belt. He’s ready to make this season the best one yet.
“This is a statement year for me, obviously,” he said before practice on Wednesday. “Going into my junior year and just showing what I’m capable of after my freshman year and sophomore year, all those things I’ve learned and just letting it unleash out on the field.”
That’s bad news for the rest of the 3A Puget Sound League, as Kaho already looks more comfortable and confident in practice than he did as an underclassman.
“He’s special,” Lincoln coach Masaki Matsumoto said. “Physically, he looks like a college quarterback. Skill wise, he’s great, improved his speed, strength over the offseason.”
It feels like there’s some pressure for Lincoln to put it all together in Kaho’s crucial junior season, though Matsumoto said there’s no more pressure than in any other year.
“A lot of times we’re supposed to win league, teams are looking for us,” he said. “I don’t think it’s any different than any other year.”
Still, Kaho returns some solid weapons around him, including receiver Kasey Williams and running back Jadeon Scranton.
“I’m most definitely comfortable with all those guys,” Kaho said.
Lincoln returns five starters on offense and seven on defense, dangerous at the skill positions and at defensive back. Matsumoto said the Abes don’t have a ton of roster depth and will need to stay healthy, but if the stars align, this team has the potential to make some noise in the postseason. “We have a chance, of course, with (Kaho),” Matsumoto said. “It’s gonna be an exciting year.”
KEY PLAYERS
QB Sione Kaho, jr.
WR Kasey Williams, sr.
OL Uzyah Thomas, soph.
RB Jadeon Scranton, sr.
DB Elijah Carney, jr.
DL Anthony Mancao, sr.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: vs. Franklin Pierce
Sept. 11: at Yelm
Sept. 19: at Camas
Sept. 26: at Gig Harbor
Oct. 3: vs. Mount Tahoma
Oct. 10: vs. Silas
Oct. 17: at Bellarmine Prep
Oct. 23: vs. Central Kitsap
This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 8:42 PM.
