No. 1 Lincoln Christian knew what it had to do to get back to the program's third straight title game.

And the Bulldogs did just that.

Lincoln dominated the line of scrimmage and overpowered No. 3 Heritage Hall on Friday night in the Class 3A Semifinals in Bristow winning 28-7 and punching its ticket back to the state championship.

Lincoln ran for 413 yards as a team and averaged 7.6 per attempt, as the Bulldogs dominated up front and controlled the clock to win for the 8th straight time over Heritage Hall.

"I thought our running game as a whole was fantastic, and that starts with our guys up front," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke, who is 8-1 career vs. Heritage Hall. 

"But you also have to add in our fullbacks, tight ends, and receivers, as I thought they all did their part. Heritage Hall was loading the front and the box, and forcing us to make a decision: stick with the plan or try something else. I'm glad we stuck with the plan."

Senior quarterback Carter Ricke, junior running back Braeden Baker and sophomore running back CJ Wright combined to account for all 54 carries for Lincoln, as each went over 100 yards.

Baker had 23 carries for 160, while Wright totaled 130 yards on just 14 attempts and Ricke ran 17 times for 123 yards.

"I was impressed with the 'tough' yards that each of them had," Ricke said. "Heritage Hall made every yard tough to come by, but all three of them were up to the challenge. I was impressed that they all remained positive, even when we weren't making significant gains."

"They all knew to trust the guys in front, wear the defense down, and get the job done. They each had a long touchdown run, which helped us push out the lead."

Meanwhile, the Lincoln defense, which has been a dominant force all season, limited Heritage Hall to just 223 total yards, including just 31 rushing yards, while also getting after both Chargers' quarterbacks in the passing game.

"Our defensive line played great once again, with four sacks and multiple pressures," said Ricke. "I was also impressed by the way our linebackers played. We did a great job in limiting them in the run game."

Heritage Hall took the opening kickoff and worked the ball down the field, something not done on Lincoln in some time.

But ultimately, the Bulldogs did what they have done so many times - held with their backs against the wall.

Heritage Hall got down inside the Lincoln 5-yard line, but failed on 4th down, as senior corner Hudson Farris knocked a way a pass in the end zone to get the ball back to the Bulldogs.

And the offense responded.

Lincoln methodically moved it out of its own territory on a 12-play, 91-yard drive, as the Bulldogs converted two 3rd downs on the drive.

Both were on runs by Ricke, the second a 17-yard scamper around the left side untouched for the score.

Lincoln led 7-0 with 1:33 to go in the 1st quarter.

But Heritage Hall answered right back.

The Chargers connected on two long pass plays — both to senior Jerrod Williams.

After a 46-yard bomb to move inside Lincoln territory, Chargers QB Teagen Lawson lofted another deep pass, this time for 40 yards, which Williams caught and was shoved out just shy of the end zone.

"I think that you have to give Heritage Hall a lot of credit for those big passing plays early," Ricke said. "Their receiver made great plays in each of those situations. Obviously, we want our guys to learn from those, but you just tip your cap to the great plays made by them."

Max Everrett scored from a yard out on the following play to tie the game with 10:38 left in the opening half.

Lincoln would overcome some penalties on the ensuing drive, which saw the Bulldogs regain the lead.

The Bulldogs need 10 plays to score, helped out by a tough 4th down conversion from Baker near the Chargers' 30.

The junior capped off the 80-yard drive three plays later with a 24-yard touchdown, as he got outside and outraced the Heritage Hall defense.

Lincoln had a 14-7 lead with 5:34 to go in the half.

It would stay that way, as Heritage Hall was forced to punt after a big sack from Colt Monsey, and the Bulldogs couldn't overcome penalties on Lincoln's final drive before punting in the closing seconds of the half.

After both teams punted to start the 3rd quarter, Lincoln extended the lead quickly, thanks to some big running by Wright.

The Bulldogs had great field position after Heritage Hall managed just a 19-yard punt.

And Lincoln needed just three plays, as Wright handled all three, including a tough 11-yard run to set up the touchdown.

Wright hit the cutback in lightning quick fashion, reversing field and cruising untouched for a 44-yard touchdown, helping Lincoln double its lead with 5:06 to go in the 3rd.

Lincoln looked to be driving again late in the 3rd, but Ricke was picked off on a great play by Williams in the end zone, who returned it out to the Lincoln 30 and gave Heritage Hall new life.

But on the next play, the Lincoln defense rose to the occasion, once again.

Junior linebacker Parker Rogers stepped in front of a Hudson Ferris pass, dropping perfectly into his zone and twisting around to nab the interception, giving Lincoln the ball back in plus territory. 

"That is exactly what I love about our defense," said Ricke. "They just never give up, and they are game for any situation. Parker made some huge plays, including the interception after we turned it over. He has had a great season, and I was excited for him last night."

Lincoln was unable to put a drive together, failing on 4th down but the defense held strong again, forcing a turnover on downs of their own on Heritage Hall's next possession, setting up the Bulldogs' final scoring drive.

The Bulldogs went 48 yards in nine plays — all on the ground — capped off by Baker's second score of the night, a 5-yard touchdown run to lead 28-7 with 2:52 to go.

Baker put the exclamation point on just a minute later, picking off a pass from Lawson with 1:58 left.

The Bulldogs advanced to the program's 6th state title appearance in the last seven years, as Lincoln also pushed its win streak to 41 straight.

"I think it speaks to the culture we have built of being reliable and consistent," said Ricke. "Our program requires you to value work, care about your teammates, and honor our tradition. I think that all of those qualities set you up for runs like this. Our kids buy into everything we do. Our parents trust us, and our Lincoln community gives us great support."

Lincoln has won 11 consecutive playoff games and is 25-4 in the playoffs since the start of 2019.

Lincoln Torres and Rain Ragland each had five tackles and two tackles for loss to lead the Bulldogs. Ragland had two sacks, while Torres had one.

Lincoln will go for the three-peat on Saturday at noon in Edmond at UCO against a familiar opponent in Sulphur, a rematch of last year's state championship classic.

"I have nothing but respect for Coach Cole and his Sulphur Bulldogs," Ricke said. "I think we are mirror images of each other in the way we play with relentless effort and a love for the game of football. Their coaches and players are genuine, and we have a high respect for their program. 

We are expecting a great effort from both teams, which will more than likely lead to another great battle."

Photos by Lee Talley