Sep. 10—Before all the accolades and Division 1 college interest, Lincoln Beal admits there were plenty of nerves two years ago, when the then-freshman found himself as one of the top running backs for the Andover High varsity team.
That is, until his first big play.
“There were some tough times early,” said Beal. “It was hard to learning the new playbook, and it was so hard not knowing what role I would have on the team.
“But, against Billerica (in his third varsity game), I had a 70-yard reception. That really boosted my confidence. After that, I was able to find my role and run with it.”
From there, Beal began establishing himself as one of the state’s most dynamic all-around weapons.
An All-Scholastic and Eagle-Tribune All-Star running back, he led the region in receiving yards last season, while also starring at linebacker and as a kick returner.
Still just a junior, Beal will lead the Golden Warriors into action on Friday, when they open the season by welcoming Shrewsbury to Eugene V. Lovely Field (7 p.m.)
“We’re all thrilled to get back the field,” he said. “It was very tough not having football last fall. Having over a year of no football isn’t fun for anyone. I’m glad we are able to have this fall season and get back to the normal routine.”
Beal enters this season with high expectations after a breakout sophomore campaign.
In just seven games during the COVID-shortened Fall 2 season, Beal rushed for 703 yards — third best in the area — and 6 touchdowns on 114 carries. That pace would have been good for more than 1,000 yards in a traditional 10 game schedule.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder also caught 26 passes for 412 yards — becoming the first running back to lead the Eagle-Tribune area in receiving yards in at least 15 years — and three touchdowns.
At linebacker, Beal finished third on Andover with 34 total tackles —16 solo — with two interceptions and six pass breakups. He also averaged 19.8 yards per kickoff return and 9.8 yards per punt return.
“Lincoln’s unbelievable,” said Golden Warriors head coach E.J. Perry. “He was voted Andover’s outstanding player for the Spring 2021 season. I can’t remember the last time someone led their team in rushing and receiving, and he was our best defensive back. He looks tremendous after a big summer.”
BIG PLAY MACHINE
Despite his talent on defense, Beal is best known for his game-breaking ability as a running back.
He rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown against arch-rival Central Catholic, ran for a season-high 164 yards on just 12 carries and a touchdown against Chelmsford and added 124 yards and a score against Haverhill.
As a receiver, he caught nine passes for 94 yards and a TD in a win over Lawrence, added two catches for 71 yards against Lowell and two catches for 65 yards and a score against North Andover.
“My biggest strength is being able to line up anywhere on the field,” said Beal, who rushed for 314 yards as a freshman. “I can line up out wide, in the slot or in the backfield. It confuses defenses because they don’t know where I’m going to be. It’s just about knowing what the defense is going to do.
“A big touchdown is the best feeling in football. They are especially great after a long drive.”
FOOTBALL FUTURE
With two seasons left in his high school career, Beal is already drawing college attention.
Perry said that Beal impressed at camps for Rutgers, URI and Brown and at Boston College football’s junior day.
“Lincoln has improved his speed to 4.68 (in the 40-yard dash) and obviously his size is bigger and it is noticeable at 6-foot and 205 pounds,” said Perry. “He worked so hard, and should pick up right where he left off last season.”
For now, though, Beal has something more immediate on his mind this fall.
“My goals for this year are to go undefeated in the MVC and beat Central Catholic,” said Beal. “I believe we have a strong enough team to do that.”
BACKFIELD CONNECTION
Perhaps no backfield in the state can match the talent of Andover’s Lincoln Beal and fellow Eagle-Tribune All-Star, QB Scotty Brown. Part of their success is a link they have on the field.
“The chemistry Lincoln and Scotty have is unbelievable!” said quad-captain Tyler Acheson.
Brown and Beal each topped 450 rushing yards, connected on 26 passes for 412 yards and 3 TDs and each return kicks.
“We’ve had that connection since playing together in the 8th grade, from the first time we met,” said Beal.
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