San Marcos needed one touchdown and a defense that refused to give Lincoln another chance.

The Knights held on for a 7–6 home victory Friday night, with brothers Ezekiel and Xzavier McIntyre each delivering an interception at a crucial moment. The result pushed San Marcos to 4–1 and gave the home crowd a finish worth talking about long after the lights went out.

McIntyre Brothers Help Seal the Win

San Marcos scored its seven points in the first half. Quarterback Jordan Roa connected with Ezekiel McIntyre on a 12-yard touchdown pass after a 62-yard drive, and the Knights took a 7–0 lead into halftime.

The offense moved the ball earlier, too, reaching Lincoln’s 6-yard line on the opening possession before a fourth-down pass fell incomplete. Another promising drive ended with a missed field goal, leaving little room for error as Lincoln stayed within one score.

That made the defense’s work decisive. Ezekiel intercepted a Lincoln pass late in the third quarter, stopping a Hornets possession while San Marcos still held its slim lead.

Lincoln finally scored in the fourth quarter on a 16-yard touchdown pass. A celebration penalty moved the extra-point try back, and the kick fell short, leaving the Knights ahead 7–6.

With 31 seconds remaining and Lincoln facing fourth-and-17, Xzavier McIntyre intercepted a pass to end the threat. It was a fitting final play for a night when the Knights’ defense had to protect every point.

Mo Henderson carried 29 times for 101 yards, giving San Marcos a dependable ground game. Roa completed 14 of 27 passes for 166 yards and the touchdown, while Ezekiel caught five passes for 39 yards and the score.

The Knights host Oceanside on Friday, October 2, at 7:15 p.m., according to the current schedule.

Mission Hills Takes an Open Week

Mission Hills did not play Friday. The Grizzlies entered their open week after a 49–8 victory over Ramona on September 18, a result that brought them to 4–1 through five games.

The pause comes before an Avocado West league opener on the road against La Costa Canyon on Friday, October 2. Mission Hills has already shown it can score in bunches, but its next stretch will put that form to the test against familiar league opponents.

St. Joseph Academy Prepares for Mammoth

St. Joseph Academy also had no game this Friday. The Crusaders’ most recent result was a 60–6 win over Borrego Springs on September 18.

St. Joseph’s next scheduled game is at home against Mammoth on Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. For San Marcos football fans, that makes next Friday a busy one: the Knights and Crusaders are both scheduled at home, while Mission Hills travels to La Costa Canyon.

Questions You May Have About San Marcos Football

What was the San Marcos–Lincoln score?

San Marcos won 7–6 on Friday, September 25.

Who made the late defensive plays?

Ezekiel McIntyre intercepted a pass in the third quarter, and Xzavier McIntyre sealed the game with an interception in the final minute.

When do the local teams play next?

San Marcos hosts Oceanside and St. Joseph Academy hosts Mammoth on October 2. Mission Hills visits La Costa Canyon the same night.

Sports scores, records and statistics are compiled from school and team sources, MaxPreps, NFHS Network, CIF San Diego and other available sports reporting sources. North Valley Flare works to verify information before publication.