Putting in the work: Now a senior, Lincoln QB Duff has championship aspirations

Lincoln senior quarterback Eli Duff enters his third year as the starter with a calm confidence built from experience. Duff has taken his lumps but has come out on the other side a proven leader and competitor as he looks to lead Lincoln to its first league championship since 2021. "We're ready to fight again for a league title. We think we can get there," said Duff. It's been a long road to get to this point for the signal caller. In his sophomore season, Duff completed fewer than half of his passes and threw for three touchdowns against two interceptions as the Fighting Zebras went 1-9. He broke out in his junior year, passing for more than 1,400 yards, 14 touchdowns and leading Lincoln to seven wins and a playoff appearance. The postseason run ended in heartbreak in the final seconds against El Dorado, but that defeat has only fueled the flames for Duff and the Zebras. "That game really fueled us through the offseason, especially in the weight room and practicing," said Duff. "We know what we want and where we want to be so we are putting in the work so that we're back (in the playoffs) this year." Duff said he has spent time working out on his own, focusing on the weight room and his footwork in the pocket. He's no stranger to big moments, having been a key factor in Lincoln's baseball section championship in May, and be believes his experience under the Friday night lights and on the diamond has his confidence at an all-time high. "It gives me this sense of comfort," says Duff. "I've been out here for three years and I'm used to the varsity level. As long as I've got my guys behind me, I'm good." Lincoln coach Allen Berg has taken note of Duff's offseason work, saying he has looked the best he has in his career and he believes the senior is ready to break out and lead his team to a league championship. "We are very happy with his progression," said Berg. "Last year, he was on it, he was quick with his reads and he got the ball out really fast. That's why his completion percentage was high and his touchdown-to-interception ratio was good. This year, he's even faster. His arm strength has improved dramatically, and I think the confidence that he has in his arm now makes it so he's able to throw through small windows on deep balls." Berg said Duff's progression is a testament to practicing against Lincoln's defense every day, as he projects it to be one of the stronger units in the area this season. Said Berg, "I think that's part of the difference between last year or this year. He is just gunning the ball right now and it's going to pay off. We're excited about where he's at." Lincoln will host a scrimmage Friday night against Yuba City, Rio Americano, East Nicolaus and Pierce.