Lincoln High School could make it to its 14th playoff appearance in 15 seasons with a win over Placer, tonight, 6 p.m. The dual meet is at Lincoln.

Lincoln head coach Mike Maul has missed just one Sac-Joaquin Section Playoff in his 14 years at the Fighting Zebras’ helm.

However, the Hillmen recently came within two points of defeating Pioneer Valley League leader Bear River. The Bruins are the only team to have beaten the Zebras. If Placer wins Lincoln stays home.

Dual meets require 14 weight classes. If one team has a wrestler at a weight the opponent doesn’t it’s an automatic six points for that team. Lincoln has had some injuries.

Maul has 10 healthy wrestlers. He lost his 220-pound grappler for the season, Joshua Morris, with torn ligaments in his knee. A couple of his athletes are hoping for a clearance from the doctor.

“A forfeit is six points. If we don’t have somebody in a weight class that’s like giving a pin to the other team,” said Maul. “If neither team has a kid in the weight class then it’s a draw and there are no points scored either way.”

Zebras’ assistant coach Nick Marquez said a junior varsity wrestler or two might get bumped up to varsity. The JV squad made a good showing in the Elk Grove tournament this past weekend. Marquez was wrestling at Lincoln when Maul became the head coach.

“We had a couple of first-place (medals), and second and third. Overall we wrestled well,” said Marquez of the JV outing. “I think this JV could be the next varsity super team. They’re showing a lot of promise this year.”

Marquez said Twelve Bridges and Glen Edwards middle schools have become solid feeder programs for Lincoln High. Those improved programs could go a long way in ensuring the Zebras’ continued success.

Maul said his girl wrestlers would compete in the Girls Section Masters this Friday and Saturday. The California Interscholastic Federation Duals also begin Saturday.

Placer vs. Lincoln Dual Meet

Lincoln High School, Varsity/JV

Thursday, 6 p.m.

Probable Varsity Wrestlers

Name Weight

Sam Brasher 106

Jonathon Durham 112

David Durham 119

Michael Gomez 128

Landon Croisant 132

Tye Karsikas 145

Ero Wainio 152

Marcus Gillett 162

Joshua Myers 171

J.D. Edwards 182