Rarely do you get a state championship rematch so early in the season.

But that's exactly what will happen tomorrow night, as defending 3A state champion and top-ranked Lincoln Christian travels to Oklahoma City to face No. 2 Heritage Hall.

Lincoln defeated Heritage Hall 48-28 last December in the state finals, scoring 41 unanswered points behind a rushing attack that amassed 381 yards in the win, helping the Bulldogs capture the school's third title.

While Lincoln opened with a dominating win last week, overwhelming Victory Christian 56-0, this will be Heritage Hall's season-opener and first game since the title game last winter.

Heritage Hall got up early on Lincoln, taking a 28-7 lead with just under five minutes to go until half last December.

But Lincoln rallied with two quick scores to trail by just seven at half.

And that's when the Bulldogs ground game, offensive line and defense went to work.

Lincoln allowed just 60 yards in the second half and ran the ball at will, scoring four more times to pull away from the Chargers.

It was Lincoln's first title since 2019 and they denied Heritage Hall, which was looking for its second in a row and 6th in the last 10 years.

Each program lost key seniors to graduation, but both teams have done what they always do - reload.

"We have a lot of respect for their coaching staff and their program," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke. "They are always so well-coached and the last game they played was in the finals to us, so they have a bunch of motivated kids."

Last week, Lincoln ran for 322 yards and averaged 9.8 yards per carry in the win over Victory, displaying a full arsenal of weapons running the ball.

The Bulldogs' defense got off to a fast start, as well, shutting the Conquerors out and allowing just 128 total yards and 1.7 yards per carry on 27 attempts.

Lincoln is 4-3 all-time in the series vs. Heritage Hall and has won all four match-ups since 2019.

Every match-up between the two schools thus far has come in the semifinals or state championship.

Kickoff at Charger Stadium on Friday is at 7 p.m.

OFFENSE 

The Chargers lost senior standout quarterback Andy Bass, who is now at OU, but return several key players, led by senior running back Barrett Travis (6-foot-2, 206 lbs).

As a junior, Travis ran for 957 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 107 attempts. He also had eight catches for 166 yards and a score.

"He is a strong runner," said Lincoln defensive coordinator Jeff Comfort. "We are going to have to swarm the ball and get multiple guys to the point of attack."

Travis will be joined in the backfield by junior quarterback Connor Quintero (6-foot, 184 lbs.) who moved over from Stillwater. 

Quintero holds offers from Oregon, Tulsa, Kennesaw State and UNLV.

"They are breaking in a new quarterback that has as really good arm," said Comfort. "He is able to get to ball to any of their receivers."

Junior Jerrod Williams (6-foot, 164 lbs.) and seniors Boston Fuller (5-foot-9, 168 lbs.), Carter Knowles (6-foot-2, 194 lbs.) and Cal Welker (6-foot-2, 182 lbs.) will be the top receivers for Heritage Hall to open the season.

"They return some talented wide receivers that can make some plays," Comfort said.

The Chargers will welcome in some new offensive lineman, as Heritage Hall will likely start four sophomores and a junior up front.

"They are always well coached and disciplined in what they do," Comfort said.

Lincoln's front seven on defense, led by seniors Dawson Fullingim, Mason Torres, Micah Kruse and Creed Nail, as well as sophomores Rain Ragland and Lincoln Torres and junior Connor Rowlett, will look again to be physical up front and make the Chargers earn everything on the ground.

"Overall, they are a really good offense and we will be tested tomorrow night," said Comfort. "They are a great program, year-in, year-out."

Lincoln Torres had two sacks for the Bulldogs in the win over Victory, while cousin Mason had seven tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.

"We are excited for the challenge."

DEFENSE

On the other side of the ball for the Chargers, Travis leads the way, once again.

The linebacker had 51 total tackles as a junior, including 11 for loss. He also added five sacks and will be featured at weakside linebacker again for Heritage Hall.

Williams and junior Terrance Johnson (5-foot-11, 184 lbs.) will be the leaders in the secondary for Heritage Hall at the safety positions.

Up front, the Chargers will be led by senior David Griffin (6-foot-1, 214 lbs.), who mans the middle at nose guard on the defensive line.

The Chargers run a 3-3 stack on defense and will feature Welker and senior Bladen Vogel (5-foot-9, 152 lbs.) at the outside linebacker spots.

Fuller and senior Emeka Okeugo (6-foot-1, 185 lbs.) will man the corner spots for the Chargers.

Junior Graham Murphy (6-foot-2, 186 lbs.) will start at middle linebacker for Heritage Hall, while sophomore Walker Wedel (6-foot, 180 lbs.) will the strong side linebacker for the Chargers.

"They are always very sound on the defensive side of the ball, so we have a big challenge ahead of us and will need to play well offensively in what will be a big game," Ricke said.

Lincoln will look to continue to run the ball well, which they did last week, led by a host of Bulldogs.

Sophomore Braeden Baker had eight carries for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Fullingim carried three times for 39 yards.

Freshman CJ Wright had seven attempts for 74 yards and a score, while junior Hudson Farris carried five times for 45 yards and a score.

Senior Luke McCants and Ragland each play a huge role offensively in the Bulldogs' blocking schemes and will be counted on again this week.

The offensive line, led by senior Zachary Bastian, Lincoln Torres, sophomore Colt Monsey, junior Carson Elix and others will have a big task ahead of them but looked strong in last week's dominating run game.

Junior Carter Ricke was very efficient in his first start, going 7-of-11 passing for 145 yards to go along with three scores.

He also ran in a score from nine yards out.

Ricke, Baker and others are in new roles in the young 2024 season, but played extensively and during crucial moments last year during Heritage Hall in the state championship game.