Last December, with the state championship on the line, it was defense that brought home another gold ball for No. 1 Lincoln Christian, stopping Sulphur short on a 2-point conversion in the closing minutes for the program's second straight Class 3A title.

A memorable play, to say the least. One that is as good as it gets in the history of the program, spanning two plus decades.

But what would the defense do for an encore in 2025, as Lincoln aims for a three-peat?

Just reach the next level, and then some.

Lincoln's defense has been the best in the state through early December in 2025.

That's right — all classes.

The Bulldogs have allowed just 42 points all season, the lowest number among all teams in the state.

They have allowed just nine points to in-state and Class 3A teams in 11 games.

Lincoln has nine shutouts.

The Bulldogs have allowed just three points — no touchdowns — since Sept. 12.

Unbelievable numbers that stop just about anyone in their tracks.

But what's not unbelievable is why.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Comfort has built this defense to do just that, merging relentless effort, an uber-physical mindset and team-defense philosophy that is made for elite-level success.

But even Comfort is impressed, especially by the unit's effort on a consistent basis.

"The thing that sticks out to me the most is how hard the players play," said Comfort. " All 11 guys are relentless in their effort and physicality every play. We preach that every day in practice and our kids have done a great job buying into that and executing it on the field."

Hang around Comfort or any of the other coaches and players within the program and you'll hear those two words as much as any — effort and physicality. The pillars of what has led to such a dominant season is no secret.

"It starts with our effort and physicality," Comfort said. "Our box wants to send a message every day, and that includes practice. What you see on Friday is a culmination of physical practices. We get a great look from our scout team and this allows our guys to go out on Friday night and get after it."

"This is our identity on defense and the players have continued that standard this year of being relentless."

After last year's run to the program's 4th title, Comfort and the coaching staff know they had some key starters returning, coupled with up-and-coming underclassmen stepping into new roles.

This newly meshed defense has gelled tremendously, as standouts from all classes have been foundational pieces for this defense that allows opponents to convert less than 20% of 3rd downs and has yielded barely over 1,000 total yards to Class 3A teams this season.

"We knew that we had several returning starters from last year's team so we thought that we could have a really solid group on defense," Comfort said. "We also knew we had some guys that had to wait their turn ready to go. We reminded them that this is 2025 and a new year with new expectations."

"We challenged them to not get complacent and get better every day. They have continued to meet the 'Bulldog Standard' and I am proud of them for that."

Everything starts up front for Lincoln, as the defensive line has been arguably the most dominant group on the entire team in 2025.

The group has combined for nearly 60 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, usually playing only until halftime, as Lincoln continuously pushes teams backwards and into disadvantageous situations.

"The defensive line has been fantastic," said Comfort. "Lincoln (Torres) has been a force and when you add in Rain (Ragland), (Colt) Monsey, Logan (Kelley), and (Kaden) Claybrook, it shows how deep the unit is."

"Coach (Zach) Fullingim has done a great job having them ready to go every week," said Comfort. "They are so hungry to find ways to elevate their game every day. It shows in practice with how they play. They are never satisfied. They set the tone in the run game each week and their preparation from practice shows up on Friday nights."

That'll be no different this week, as Torres, the standout of the big group up front, will lead his team into battle against a familiar opponent — perennial 3A contender Heritage Hall — in the semifinals.

"Our mindset going into this week as a group is to just dominate the line of scrimmage and be physical up front," the junior said. "Games are won and lost in the trenches. We continuously take over the game each week by listening to our coach and the game plan."

If the defensive line is not making the play themselves, they are certainly taking on blocks and double teams to free up a linebacking corps that's had a tremendous season.

With just one starter returning from a year ago in senior Connor Rowlett, who moved from outside to the Mike spot, there were some unknowns.

"I have really enjoyed being a part of such a great team that has a lot of fun while doing it," Rowlett said. "The linebackers came into the year relatively inexperienced, but it has been awesome to watch us improve every time we watch film."

Rowlett's leadership, along with the stellar play of leading tackler Isaac Beisel and junior Parker Rogers, has Comfort ultra confident in his trio to go make plays.

"This group has improved so much since August," said Comfort. "This was the group with the least experience, but they took it upon themselves to work hard and they have grown into a solid group. Coach (Lamar) Baker has been a rock for them and has pushed them each week."

"They are hungry to grow and are extremely coachable. Connor has led extremely well and has been a major constant. I am very proud of his leadership this year."

The back end of the defense has been no slouch either, as Lincoln has made numerous big plays in creating turnovers, several resulting in touchdowns at key times, as the secondary is filled with athletes prepared and ready to rise to the occasion.

"The secondary has been steady all year long," Comfort said. "They have the most returning experience and they have played like it. They all stay very level-headed and they understand football well."

"This is a group of guys that study film and utilize that to their advantage each week. They have done everything we asked them to do and they are a huge weapon to have with all five guys able to make plays at any moment."

Several returning starters with a year's more experience certainly helps strengthen a group that shows up at the line of scrimmage, as well as down the field when the ball is in the air. 

"Braeden (Baker) and CJ (Wright) are physical in the run game and make offenses think twice about throwing it in their direction. Gabe (Huntsinger) has stepped nicely and I'm proud of him for stepping into his role. Hudson Farris has grown into a huge playmaker on both sides of the ball and it's nice to see his hard work paying off," Comfort said.

Farris and his secondary mates can play at such a high level, not only due to great communication, but because of trust — both within each other and at other levels of the Lincoln defense.

"I think the secondary has been able to do a great job because we work as a unit and are able to pass different routes off to each other, allowing us to focus on our individual roles," Farris said. "It also helps when we only have to cover for a couple of seconds, knowing that our defensive line is getting after the quarterback."

"When we can get the quarterback pressured, and we play our technique, it becomes a field day for this secondary."

The defense from front to back is not just a collection of great players.

It's a system — not designed to put certain players in spots to make repeated plays over and over.

But to get a collective group —you guessed it — playing fast, physical and prepared. Not trying but knowing they are going to make the play.

"I know I've said it a few times, but we follow what Coach (Jerry) Ricke wants and that is a physical and aggressive style of play. It all starts there. The scheme is nothing without the first part."

"We want 11-15 guys with similar stats," Comfort said. "Our defense is not designed to have one guy make every play. It is a group effort. We are going to let the players play fast. The more they have to think, the slower they are going to play. We want the reins to come off on Friday and for them to cut it loose and play free."

That's led to what's been a tremendous run of defensive play, resulting in blank scoreboards for the opposing teams almost every week.

And while that's great, it's not Comfort or his players' focus. 

Their mindset is simple. Their focus is not complicated — they just want to win.

"The shut outs are great, but we don't talk about it too much," Comfort said. "Obviously, that's the goal each week, to give up no points. At the end of the day, we just want to win."

"It's special to see the players execute the game plan and enjoy team success when the scoreboard says zero at the end of the night. That is a credit to the players for executing and the defensive coaches for having them ready."

And there is certainly a method to Comfort's madness, as he and Ricke are in perfect sync, helping one another constantly, as the program prides itself on something always easier said than done — complimentary football.

"We want to focus on playing complementary football," said Comfort. "There are three phases in the game and they all work together. It is always a WE thing. We are one unit and one team so its always about complementing each other. We have a great offense so we tell our guys, get it back to them as fast as possible."

Lincoln's opportunities to add to this historic season are coming to an end, with just two more chances to put this special defense on display in the coming weeks.

That finality is not lost on players like Farris and Rowlett, who know their time to put on the gold helmet filled with Bulldog bones is short lived. 

"These last two weeks mean a lot to me because after this, my football journey will be over," Rowlett said. "I'm just taking it all in and leaving no doubt on the field."

Comfort and his group are not getting ahead of themselves, even with a challenging foe standing in Lincoln's way on Friday.

It's one day — one play — at a time.

"I think we just need to keep taking it a day at a time," Comfort said. "If we keep stacking good days like we have been, then the results will take care of themselves. Coach Ricke always says the most important play is the next play. That is our mentality. We are going to continue to play a relentless style of football no matter what. If we tackle well and run to the ball as a unit, good things are going to happen."

Whatever the outcome throughout the next two weeks, no one can deny this team has taken the defensive bar and raised it to unthinkable levels.

All that's left to do is simple.

Be fast.

Be physical.

Be what they have been.

"At the end of the day, the players are what makes it happen. They have matched the standard of those set before them and they understand the mission and magnitude of what they are playing for. They want to win however possible and they show that each day with how they prepare," Comfort said.