The Lincoln Lions traveled to face Andrew Hill last Friday afternoon in a key match-up in the Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa Division. The Lions put their 4-0 season record on the line, but two times Hill answered Lincoln touchdowns with kick off returns for TDs, and the Falcons managed to hold on for a 34-28 victory.

Hill, 3-3 for the year and 2-1 in the division, moved back into Santa Teresa title contention with the win. Lincoln slipped to 4-1 for the year and to 1-1 in the division.

The Falcons jumped to a 14-0 lead, but the Lions fought back to tie it in the second quarter with touchdown passes from quarterback Bryan Anderson to Vlad Lapshin and Jason Silva.

Andrew Hill came fighting back, though, and regained the lead 20-14.

Lincoln took the kick off and came right back to score on a fine running play by Raul Figueroa for the touchdown. Chris Garcia's kick was good (as were all four for the game), and the Lions had their first lead in the game, 21-20.

But it was short-lived. The Falcons took the ensuing kick off and returned it for a touchdown. After the 2-point conversion attempt failed, the Falcons led 26-21 and it remained that at halftime.

The Lions came out strong in the second half and fought their way to a 28-26 lead when Figueroa blasted in for a score in the third quarter.

Again the Lions didn't have much time to enjoy their lead as the Falcons returned the Lions kick off for a touchdown for the second time in the game. They were successful on a 2-point conversion, giving them a 34-28 lead.

It was a defensive battle the rest of the game with neither team scoring again. The Lions host Branham on Oct. 25, 1:30 p.m.