The CIF San Diego Section’s top-ranked Lincoln Hornets play to a different beat.

The Hornets play an up-tempo offense, with speed all over the field. The defense flies around, hitting with ferocity.

But the music emanating from the Vic Player Stadium speakers in pregame warm-ups and on timeouts through-out Friday night’s Western League battle with No. 4 Cathedral Catholic that reminds you where you are.

The Hornets were leading 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The soundtrack at a Lincoln home game is not the marching band playing “On Wisconsin,” USC’s “Fight On,” or Michigan’s “The Victors.”

The Lincoln tracks are straight out of Southeast San Diego. Songs like “Five Star,” “Take This L” and “The Factory,”  written and recorded by Lincoln’s own Charles “Mitchy Slick” Mitchell specifically for the Hornets.

Mitchell, the former quarterback and track star turned rapper, is a member of rap supergroup Strong Arm Steady. he has recorded many solo albums and collaborations, and is the CEO of Wrongkind Records.

“It was sometime around 2017, I was talking with my bro (Lincoln head coach David Dunn) and he was saying how much trouble he was having keeping the local talent stay at Lincoln,” Mitchy explained. “That’s when I knew I had to do something and started to help.”

“The Factory” speaks to some of the great players who came out of Lincoln like Marcus Allen, Terrell Davis and others and includes the explanation, “it’s in the water.” It even includes the words of Coach Dunn himself, saying “I choose to come back and coach, giving back to the community.”

“Take this L,” the song the team comes out to every game, harkens back to the days of the old Lincoln layout and the fans watching along Imperial Avenue.

“It’s perfect,” said Dunn of the music. “It’s designed for the kids and the community. I love it.”

Answering the call

When Cal-bound senior quarterback Brady Palmer went down with a shoulder injury a couple of weeks ago at national power Concord De La Salle, Cathedral Catholic coach Sean Doyle had to get creative.

He found an answer in Joshua Faraimo.

“We had to do something to get our offense going,” said Doyle. “We turned to Josh. He was our starting safety. Until last week, I don’t know if he ever started a game at quarterback before.”

His first start came in last week’s 41-0 victory over Scripps Ranch. Faraimo completed 8 of 11 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns. His athleticism is felt on the ground as well: Entering Friday, he had carried seven times for 34 yards and another TD.

Palmer is making progress and should be back in about another week. He was cleared medically and dressed for Friday’s game, but didn’t start.

Lincoln’s David Dunn said his team will be ready for any surprises.

Stiff competition

Between Cathedral and Lincoln, they have faced and beaten powerhouse schools from four different states: Arizona (Chandler), Nevada (Las Vegas Arbor View) and Hawaii (Punahou). California powers faced included nationally ranked Concord De La Salle and Mission Viejo, Mountain View Saint Francis, Long Beach Poly, Bakersfield Frontier and Sacramento Grant.

“Believe me, I’d rather play around here,” Doyle said, “but it’s tough getting good games.”

Food review

You must visit Barbara “Mama” Dunn for the fried chicken. It is awesome. And yes, she is David Dunn’s mother and has been working the stand in the north end zone for 14 years.

Five belches on the U-T five-belch meter.

By the numbers

14 – The number of headphones on the Cathedral Catholic sideline. Has to be a section record.

26 – Number of Lincoln’s graduating senior players honored in pre-game ceremony.

Originally Published: October 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM PDT