After an impressive start to the season in non-district play, No. 1 Lincoln Christian returns to action this Friday, hosting Stigler for homecoming.

The Bulldogs (3-0) have won 17 in a row, dating back to the perfect season in 2023 that ended in a Class 3A state title.

Lincoln picked up right where it left off to start this season, winning at ranked Victory Christian 56-0, beating No. 2 Heritage Hall 28-20 on the road and winning two weeks ago in the home opener, pulling away in a 38-14 win against Shiloh Christian, which ranked No. 2 in Class 6A in Arkansas.

The Bulldogs now open District 3A-3 play with a home opener against Stigler (1-2).

"The first district game is always a big one," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke. "These are the important ones so we need to come out and get off to a good start."

Stigler got its first win of the year last week in a 28-21 win at Stillwell.

The Panthers lost their season opener 35-21 to Sallisaw at home before falling in week 2 at Mena (Ark.) 38-20.

"They played well last week and were able to get their first win," said Ricke.

The Panthers are under first-year head coach Kevin Wilkett, who is a Stigler graduate and has been on staff since 2009.

He was most recently the offensive coordinator from 2020-2023.

"They have a new coach, so there is a lot of excitement around their program right now and we know we are going to get their best shot," said Ricke.

Stigler ran for 201 yards in last week's win over Stillwell, as well as got a strong performance from junior quarterback Jackson McCarter.

"They have gotten some kids back from injury and have played some good football thus far," Ricke said.

Lincoln has won all seven matchups between the two programs, including 49-0 wins in both 2022 and 2023.

The first matchup between the two schools was in 2012, when Lincoln beat Stigler 41-12 in the playoffs.

OFFENSE

The offense will be led by McCarter, who has had a strong start to the season.

McCarter (5-foot-9, 145) has thrown for 432 yards and six touchdowns to just two interceptions through three games. He has completed 55% of his passes and has rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns, as well.

"Their quarterback is a good player," Ricke said. "It's his first year to play quarterback but he does a great job of running and scrambling well."

Last week, he was 8-of-14 passing for 164 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing eight times for 58 yards and a score.

Senior running back Thunder Elza is the Panthers' top rusher, as he's totaled 361 yards and a touchdown through three games. He also has seven catches for 70 yards as a weapon out of the backfield.

"He is a really good running back that has good size," Ricke said.

Elza (6-foot-2, 205) is also averaging 6.7 yards per carry behind what Ricke says is the strength of their team, the offensive line.

"They have a really strong offensive line that has some guys returning from last year," Ricke said.

The Panthers have good size up front, including junior tackle Latch Smith (6-foot-1, 250), junior center Jayden Nelms (6-foot-3, 273), junior tackle Gavyn Jones (6-foot-3, 250) and sophomore guard Dalton Wickett (6-foot-4, 286).

Senior receivers Jackson Cardell (5-foot-9, 170) and TJ Kettles (6-foot-2, 150) are the top targets for McCarter.

Cardell has 10 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown thus far, while Kettles has eight grabs for 103 yards and a score.

Fellow senior receiver Houston Perry (6-foot-1, 210) played in his first game last week and had two catches for 72 yards and two scores.

In the win over Shiloh, Lincoln limited the Saints to just 14 points and less than 4.5 yards per play.

Senior defensive back Kylan Schultheis and senior linebacker Mason Torres each had a pick six, while other key individuals continued their strong play, as well.

"Braeden Baker is an unsung leader that has stepped up for us," Ricke said. "Creed Nail has also stepped up very well. Kylan and Hudson Farris are also playing well and are really solid players for us on defense. They have tackled really well. Brett Kaste has 3 games under his belt and is playing well."

DEFENSE

The Panthers have many of the same faces across their 3-4 defense, as Stigler allowed just 59 yards rushing in last week's win over Stillwell.

Cardell leads the way in the middle at inside linebacker for Stillwell and is joined by fellow senior Dakota Drewry (6-foot, 165).

"They do a good job of keeping things in front of them," said Ricke. "They have some key guys back with experience on that side of the ball."

Sophomore Eli Mitchel (5-foot-8, 160) is back for Stigler at one of the outside linebackers, while junior Landon Blizzard (6-foot-1, 170) mans the other side.

Up front, two starters return in Smith and Jones, while Nelms rounds out the front three - all of which start on the offensive line, as well

"Their group up front is their strength," Ricke said.

McCarter is a returning starter at one of the safeties, with Kettles starting for Stigler on the other side.

Senior Will Yoarosz (5-foot-11, 165) starts at one corner spot and freshman Brylar Honeycutt (6-foot-3, 170) covers the other side.

"They know what they want to do over there and they do a good job of playing within their system," Ricke said.

Lincoln will look to pick up where it left off on offense from the win over Shiloh, in which the Bulldogs had 304 yards on just 39 plays.

Junior quarterback Carter Ricke was 11-of-15 for 161 yards and a touchdown in the win.

"He has done a good job of managing the game for us," said Ricke. "His confidence is coming along as a leader. His leadership style is by example but he wants to win. His teammates are important to him."

Schultheis had four catches for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Freshman running back CJ Wright carried seven times for 89 yards for Lincoln.

Ricke also spoke about the progression of the offensive line, led by senior Zachary Bastian, juniors Carson Elix and Tristan Harrell and sophomores Lincoln Torres and Colt Monsey.

"They are hungry to get better and are tuned into what we are trying to do," Ricke said. "They are progressing but it's going to take time. They are working and very intent on improving each week."

Kickoff at Willie George Stadium/Dennis Byrd Field on Friday is at 7 p.m.

The homecoming festivities will start pre-game at 6:30 p.m.