No. 1 Lincoln returns home tomorrow for a big district matchup and rivalry game as the calendar turns to October.
The Bulldogs will host No. 4 Holland Hall in a top-five Class 3A-3 contest with a lot on the line.
Lincoln (4-0) rolled at Stigler 49-0 in the district opener last week, pushing the Bulldogs win streak to 32 games.
The Bulldogs are also protecting a current 53-game home win streak and have won 44 district games in-a-row.
But they will be tested on Friday, as Holland Hall also enters at 4-0 thus far, as the Dutch have played good football to open the 2025 season.
"They are playing really well on both sides of the ball right now," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke.
The Bulldogs will play at home for the first time in a month, dating back to Lincoln's 35-6 win over No. 3 Heritage Hall in non-district play on Sept. 5.
"It's been about four weeks since we last played at home, so we are very excited to get back in front of our fans," Ricke said. "Our first two home games had great crowds that really helped energize our team, and we're looking forward to that once again on Friday."
The Bulldogs had no problem with the Dutch last season, winning on the road 55-0.
Lincoln has won the last three over Holland Hall since losing to the Dutch in the 2020 and 2021 state title games.
The Bulldogs have outscored Holland Hall 144-7 during the last three years.
Lincoln will hope to extend the win streak to four by doing more of the same on Friday night.
"We need to start fast," said Ricke. "As always, we need to take care of the football and run the ball well. When big plays in the passing game present themselves, we need to take advantage. Defensively, we need to do a good job of containing their quarterback when he scrambles and not give up big plays. We need to tackle their skill guys well in space."
The Bulldogs have played just one game since Sept. 12 and played on Thursday last week, allowing for some additional rest and preparation for Friday's matchup.
"It was nice to get the extra day of rest from the perspective that we were able to give our guys Saturday off," said Ricke. "It's amazing how well our guys are refreshed and renewed when they get a little time off, and I saw that extra boost of energy this week in practice."
Friday night's game will go a long way in deciding the 3A-3 champion between two programs that have won four of the last five Class 3A state championships.
"We know that Holland Hall has a great program and a history of winning big games," Ricke said. "Their coaches have coached and won state championships so they know what it takes to win these types of games."
Holland Hall beat Cascia Hall to open the season at home, winning 27-6.
The Dutch won both non-district road games, as well, winning at Will Rogers 47-0 and at Victory Christian 49-7.
Last week, Holland Hall opened up district play with a 50-31 home win over Idabel.
"We certainly expect to get the best version of Holland Hall. Our guys have prepared well mentally and physically this week and are excited to play in this game."
The Dutch were 7-5 in 2024, falling to Heritage Hall in the quarterfinals.
Lincoln leads the all-time series 10-5.
The two teams have played in all but three seasons since 2008. Lincoln won six of the first eight matchups before Holland Hall won three straight from 2017-2021.
The Bulldogs are 82-4 since the start of the 2019 season and 93-6 since 2018
Lincoln has also won 30 straight regular season games.
No. 4 Holland Hall @ No. 1 Lincoln Christian
Friday, Oct. 3 — 7 p.m.
Willie George Field at Dennis Byrd Stadium - Tulsa, OK
16th meeting in all-time series — Lincoln leads 10-5
WATCH HERE
OFFENSIVE PREVIEW
Lincoln will look to keep the pedal to the medal offensively this week after an efficient performance against Stigler last week.
The Bulldogs racked up 486 yards and averaged 11.5 yards per play in last week's district opening win, thanks to a big day from the passing game.
Senior quarterback Carter Ricke had a big night, going 15-of-17 for 247 yards and four touchdowns - all in the first half.
Ricke has completed 75% of his passes through four games, totaling 699 yards and eight scores.
The senior also has 189 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 12.6 yards per carry.
His top target, junior receiver Brett Kaste, had four grabs for 145 yards and two scores last week, as he continues his breakout season.
Kaste has just 13 catches on the year, but has totaled 318 yards and three touchdowns.
Senior receiver Hudson Farris has also been a reliable target for Ricke, as he had four grabs for 40 yards last week vs. Stigler.
Farris has 12 catches for 190 yards on the year.
The Bulldogs dynamic duo at running back continues to lead a dominant rushing attack, as junior Braeden Baker and sophomore CJ Wright constantly put pressure on opposing defenses.
Baker had just two carries last week, as both went for scores and totaled 66 yards in the win.
He leads the team with 331 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, gaining 8.5 yards per carry. Baker also has 12 grabs for 79 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.
Wright had a quiet game last week, but has been a big play machine through his first 18 games as a Bulldog.
The sophomore has 307 yards rushing on an impressive 12.8 yards per carry. He's scored three touchdowns on the ground, while also having nine catches for 84 yards and a touchdown as a pass catcher.
The Lincoln offense is averaging 265 yards per game on the ground behind the experienced offensive line.
The Bulldogs average 47 points per game and 10 yards per play thus far in 2025.
Lincoln's first team offense has faced just 15 third downs through four games, while the team as a whole is converting a staggering 63% of attempts.
Holland Hall has allowed seven points or less in three of four games.
The Dutch are led by returning starters at all levels, including senior defensive lineman Mason Lilly, senior middle linebacker Clark Sanford, sophomore corner Kainon Gibson and sophomore free safety Roman Lepak.
"Defensively, they change from a 4-man front to a 3-man front and bring some timely pressure," said Ricke. "Their kids play hard and fly around to the football."
Holland Hall features eight upperclassmen on the starting defense.
DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Bulldogs will have their toughest test of the young district season in slowing down what's been an impressive Holland Hall offense.
The Dutch average 43 points per game and average 332 yards per game, as well as eight yards per play in 2025.
The offense is led by senior quarterback Trey Burleson, who is off to an impressive start in his final season.
Burleson has thrown just 61 times, completing 69% of passes for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns, including no interceptions.
He's also ran 20 times for 105 yards and a touchdown.
"Their quarterback is making some really good decisions and throws a great deep ball," said Ricke.
Burleson's top targets are Lepak, Gibson and junior Kaysen Fredieu.
Gibson leads the Dutch with 275 yards on just 15 catches and two touchdowns, while Fredieu has just 10 grabs for 245 yards and a score.
Lepak has six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
Holland Hall has four seniors and a junior starting on the offensive line, as well as senior tight end Bryce Kueser.
They'll pave the way for junior running back Rhett Gibson, who's run for 223 yards and two touchdowns on seven yards per carry.
"They have some really good playmakers at the skill positions, and their offensive line does a good job in their schemes," said Ricke.
The Bulldogs will have to continue their strong play defensively, as Lincoln is allowing less than 10 points per game and has held opponents to just 15-of-54 (27%) on third down.
"We pride ourselves on getting 11 hats to the football and taking great pursuit angles," said Ricke. "I think when you do this well, you create negative plays. One of the things we value as an offense is to avoid negative plays, so getting them defensively helps put the other team in tough situations."
"I'm really happy with the way our defense is playing right now, and I think we'll need that same effort on Friday."
Lincoln has allowed just 411 yards in the three games outside of Shiloh Christian.
