Lincoln head football coach Robert Hampton always puts a different spin on his approach to begin a football season.
Whether it comes to making a reference to music history (which Hampton has a background in) or a sports historical perspective, Hampton is prepared to motivate his players by any means possible.
This year, Hampton is turning to a slice of Greek mythology.
“We’re like King Sisyphus,” Hampton said.
Say what? Can the Lions even fathom what a King Sisyphus really is?
“King Sisyphus [a king in Ephyra] was punished by Zeus for being a chronic liar and was forced to roll this huge boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down the hill,” Hampton said. “Zeus made Sisyphus roll the boulder for eternity and never got the boulder to the top of the hill. He just kept pushing it up.”
Hampton believes that it is similar to what the Lions have done every year since 2008.
“Every year, we’re in the state playoff hunt,” Hampton said. “We get to the point and get knocked back down again. But we’ve done some amazing things, winning the league, getting to the state playoffs, winning a state playoff game at home. But we forgot about how good it was getting there.”
Added Hampton, “So this year, we want them to enjoy the ride. I am so proud of how much they’ve developed as players and as people. I want them to enjoy every single day of the journey. I don’t want them to go through it and then have that prune face at the end, like that Dick Tracy character. I want them all to enjoy this journey. They shouldn’t have to be staring into their oatmeal bowl all winter, worrying about what they could have done.”
Hampton has nurtured this senior class more than any other in his tenure as head coach. He’s watched them mature into fine young men and good students.
“You can’t imagine the love I have for them,” Hampton said. “This is a relationship I have with them.”
Two years ago, Hampton blew out his Achilles tendon and missed significant time because of the injury.
At that same time, there were criminal charges brought against Hampton regarding a case where an aspiring female football player was allegedly assaulted by another male player – and Hampton was accused of covering the incident up.
Those charges were subsequently dropped by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s office. However, Hampton was suspended from coaching his football team for a few months.
“Every single day, those kids were at my house,” Hampton said. “They supported me and believed in me. I’ll never forget that. I truly have a love affair with those kids, for being there for me. So whatever happens this year, I want them to enjoy it. It’s been a beautiful story, what these wonderful boys have been and done. I enjoy being with them every day.”
Hampton wants it known that the Lions are going to go full blast after the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II state title, like they’re expected to do. They were 9-2 last year, losing to Mountain Lakes in the sectional semifinal. They’re predicted to be there again this year.
“We can compete,” Hampton said. “But this year, the pressure is not on us. We just have to maintain excellence.”
And try to get that boulder to the top of the hill.
Leading the way is junior quarterback Zymire Gordon (6-2, 175), who transferred to Lincoln from Bayonne.
“He’s more of a traditional quarterback,” Hampton said of Gordon, considered as one of the top junior prospects in the state. “He runs, throws, does everything. He’s more of a triple threat. He’s also a very tough kid.”
Senior Devell Jones (6-1, 220) is the featured running back. Jones rushed for more than 1,400 yards and scored 17 touchdowns last year. He’s already given a verbal commitment to Monmouth University to play there next fall. Jones, a three-year starter, has a chance to become Lincoln’s all-time leading rusher this season.
“Any time he touches the ball, he can go,” Hampton said.
Tyquan Simmons (5-9, 185) is another senior running back.
“He’s the heart and soul of this team,” Hampton said. “He’s one of our most physical players.”
Sophomore Kamani Addison (5-8, 170) has a chance to be the leader of the bunch.
“He can flat out fly,” Hampton said of Addison, who was clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at the Towson University football camp this summer.
Senior Darius Wade (5-9, 165) was the starting quarterback last year, but once he saw a specimen like Gordon arrive, he knew he had to find a new position. Wade is now a wide receiver for the Lions.
“He welcomed the change,” Hampton said. “He realized his best opportunity to play at the next level was at a slot receiver. He’s just a nice kid who realizes his place.”
Wade combined for 2,100 yards rushing and passing last year and had 17 touchdowns, earning Hudson Reporter All-Area honors. Wade may get another chance this year, but at a new position.
Junior Frank Darby (6-1, 185) is another slot threat for the Lions.
“He does just about everything,” Hampton said. “He’s just a tremendous football player.”
Darby had 29 receptions last year, 12 of which went for touchdowns.
Senior Jarrell Payne (5-9, 180), junior Kareem Goulden (6-2, 200) and freshman Yasaan Jackson (5-8, 170) are three other threats for Gordon to throw to.
The offensive line features senior Diasjon Robinson (6-1, 270), who has a chance to be a four-time Hudson Reporter All-Area honoree. Robinson, already committed to the University of Massachusetts, is a fixture at guard.
Seniors Trevor Mayo (6-0, 220) and Terrence Barfield (6-2, 250) are the tackles. The other guard is imposing sophomore Markese Trent (6-3, 345). Junior James Brunson (6-0, 225) is the center.
The Lions will use a 4-2-5 defensive alignment to capitalize on their speed. Freshman Jaylin Scott (6-1, 240) is a promising force along the line, along with Barfield, at defensive end. Mayo is at defensive tackle with Robinson, which is where he stands out more.
Payne is a linebacker, along with senior Stephon Jeter (5-11, 210). The cornerbacks are Darby and Gordon, with Jones and Simmons at safety and junior Jason Harrison (6-1, 175) at the rover back.
“I feel pretty good about this team,” Hampton said. “We have a shot, but we’re going to enjoy the process. The journey will then take care of itself. We’re going to enjoy this chance. We will not be Sisyphus again.”
Maybe this year, the Lions can own a piece of the rock instead of rolling a boulder.
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com. You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com.