Lincoln’s Hawkins earns game ball

JOSHUA McCLAM . . . Marquise "Marty" McFarland . . . Sincere Merced.

As Abraham Lincoln High's football team met for its postgame gather-'round Thursday, Rodney Hawkins expected to hear one of those three names come flying out of coach Ed McGettigan's mouth.

But no! McGettigan mentioned Hawkins, a 6-1, 165-pound senior who plays tight end and defensive end, as the guy who'd be getting the game ball and, lo and behold, there it came, floating his way.

"Man, was that a surprise," Hawkins said about 10 minutes later, his heart still beating fast and his smile still stretching from ear to ear. "I thought one of those other guys would get it.

"This is wonderful. Makes me very excited. I have some MVP trophies at home from my pound-ball days with the Oak Lane Wildcats, but this is my first game ball. I'm gonna sleep with this thing tonight. I am. First time gettin' a game ball? I'm gonna sleep with it."

But first . . . Hawkins predicted there'd be a memorable scene as he walked into his house.

"My mom [Linda] makes it to every game she can," Rodney said. "But she couldn't make it to this one because of work. When she sees me with the game ball, she'll be so happy. Clapping and cheering. Even screaming. And, hopefully, she'll jump into my arms."

Hawkins did not exactly threaten world records as the Railsplitters cruised to a 28-2 Public AAAA Silver win over visiting Southern.

The first-team offense benefited from short to medium fields throughout a four-TD first half and the subs, even third-teamers, were used over the final 24 minutes.

However, Hawkins did post four catches for 72 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown 44 seconds prior to halftime. His defensive performance was highlighted by a pair of TFLs. The second, on a reverse, resulted in an 11-yard loss.

"That was easy," he said. "The guy came right to me. First time I listened to my coaches and stayed home."

Hawkins and Miguel Sanchez hooked up for a 36-yard gain on the Railsplitters' third scoring drive, capped by McFarland on a 3-yard run. Two snaps after Hawkins notched his 11-yard TFL, Merced used some beautiful zigs and zags to return the punt for a 56-yard TD. Alas, there was a block in the back. Hawkins scored on the fourth play.

Merced was the intended receiver. But Hawkins eased over toward the right sideline and was all by his lonesome.

He caught the ball at the 8 and had no trouble making it to the end zone.

"Miguel saw me wide open, so he looked Sincere off and came to me," Hawkins said. "I was supposed to go a little deeper to take the safety off Sincere, but Miguel saw no one covering me and threw it [early].

"Sometimes when you catch the ball, you can feel defensive players breathing on you, or at least coming in. There was nobody there. As I turned I saw open area. I knew: This'll be a touchdown.

"I don't mind blocking for my teammates. I'll do anything to win. But it's nice to get some passes, too."

As Hawkins caught the game-ball flip from McGettigan, his teammates offered wild applause. Pretty popular guy, eh?

"I'm a cool person," Hawkins confirmed. "I'm not one of those guys that's fighting all the time. I get along with everybody. I just like chillin'. Having fun."

McClam (8-26) scored Lincoln's first two TDs on runs from the 6 and 1. McFarland finished 6-41 on the ground while Sanchez passed 6-for-8 for 98 yards. Tackles Damien Chin-Rose and Miguel Torres showed size and technique. Giovanni Johnson had an interception while Robert Williams burst across the line for an impressive TFL.

Southern enjoyed Wayne Brunson's nine-tackle performance and ends Ricky Brown and Joe Pizzo caused a third-quarter stir with a sack and TFL on consecutive plays.

The Rams' points were a freebie. On fourth down at Lincoln's 28 with 7 1/2 minutes left, the snap sailed way over Sanchez' head and he recovered in the end zone.

Lincoln's starters had great, late-game fun by cheering on deep sub Rene Barrios, a butterball down lineman. He was growling and making faces and Southern even double-teamed him. When Barrios came off the field after the next-to-last series, a teammate told him excitedly, "You were a half-step away from making a tackle!"

Though Hawkins hails from West Oak Lane, he has lived for the last 3 years on Devereaux Street, near Bustleton Avenue. He does well in school, expects to run track this spring for the first time and hopes to work for the FBI.

"It sounds like they have cool missions. Like, when they protect government people," he said. "That's what I could picture doing. Looks like fun."

Meanwhile, when Hawkins was asked which position he prefers, he smiled and held aloft the game ball.

"Right now I'm liking tight end better," he said. "More recognition there."

Online high school coverage at philly.com/rally.