The quest to go back-to-back for Lincoln Christian begins on Friday night in south Tulsa, as the Bulldogs travel to Victory to open the 2024 season.

It won't be a long road trip to 81st and Lewis, as the Bulldogs will face Victory for only the second time in program history. The only other match up between the two programs took place in the 2013 playoffs, where the Bulldogs upset the undefeated Conquerors 27-26 in the 2nd round at Victory Christian.

Lincoln comes in on a 14-game win streak after defeating Heritage Hall 48-28 in the Class 3A State Championship last December.

Victory was 10-3 a year ago. losing to Jones 56-36 in the quarterfinals.

The Conquerors were 10-4 in 2022 and 9-3 in 2021.

Lincoln will be welcoming back several familiar faces, including seniors Mason Torres, Dawson Fullingim, Kylan Schultheis, Micah Kruse, Creed Nail, Jack Milligan, Luke McCants and Zachary Bastian, and juniors Connor Rowlett, Cooper Housely and Hudson Farris.

The Bulldogs also feature returning underclassmen in sophomores Rain Ragland, Lincoln Torres and Braeden Baker. It will be the first start for junior Carter Ricke, as he takes over at quarterback.

Kickoff on the campus of Victory Christian is at 7 p.m.

VICTORY CHRISTIAN: OFFENSE
The Conquerors return several key play-makers and welcome some newcomers that should contribute offensively, as the Bulldogs will look to slow down Victory's spread attack.

"They have some guys that can make plays on offense," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke. "If you let get them get loose, they can turn them into big plays and score."

Victory returns several key skill guys, including junior running back Dallas Dyer, who ran for 625 yards and four scores in just seven games in 2023.

"They have a good running game and he is a big part of it," said Ricke. "He is a really good runner."

Senior Jayleyn Robinson, (6-foot-2, 280 lbs.) is a four-year starter and the top lineman for Victory. He is one of three seniors up front for the Conquerors.

The Conquerors also return senior receiver Eric Peterson, who had 31 catches for 484 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 340 yards and three scores last season.

Junior Ward Johnson is also back at receiver after finishing his sophomore season with 327 yards and three scores. Fellow junior Jackson McCrary had 259 yards and three touchdowns a year ago and will step into a larger role this fall.

The Conquerors will usher in a new quarterback, or two, in seniors Jacob Earnhardt and Allen Robinson.

Robinson (6-foot-1, 175 lbs.) comes to Victory from Western Heights and is currently committed to Air Force.

VICTORY CHRISTIAN: DEFENSE
Many of the same faces will play important roles for Victory on the defensive side, as well.

Robinson will man the middle in the 3-4 defense at nose, while defensive ends Elijah Childress (6-foot, 220 lbs.) and Warrick Petit (6-foot-3, 230 lbs.) - both seniors - provide good size on the edge for the Conquerors.

Cooper Howell, a 6-foot-2, 220 lb. senior, is back at middle linebacker for Victory and will be joined by Dyer on the inside.

"They have some really good players in the front seven," Ricke said. "They are very solid on defense."

Juniors Tyler Morris and Ethan Aeschleman will start at outside linebacker for the Conquerors.

Peterson is the one to watch in the secondary, as the senior starts at one of the safety spots. Earnhardt will man the other safety spot, while Johnson and McCrary will likely start at corner for Victory.

"They have a lot of team speed on defense and in the secondary," said Ricke.