Lincoln Christian senior offensive lineman Carson Elix sometimes went unnoticed amongst all the star power for the back-to-back-to-back state champions.

But his impact was always felt inside the locker room, by the coaching staff and on the field.

And last week, Elix was honored as one of the state's best, as the senior was named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State team.

"It's an amazing honor that I never thought was possible for me, but mostly it has to do with being in a prestigious program surrounded by great teammates and coaches," said Elix.

Elix helped pave the way for a school record rushing attack that totaled 3,878 yards and for that, he was named as 1st-team all-district and the Offensive Lineman of the Year for the team.

The two-year starter and team captain helped Lincoln to 42 consecutive wins in his final three years as a Bulldog, showing steady improvement each year under head coach Jerry Ricke.

"I've said this before, and I'll say it again — Carson is a player that I think may have improved more than anyone from his start in elementary to his finish this last year," said Ricke. "He worked hard on his conditioning and strength training to help prepare himself to be a starter the last two years."

"He has a great love of the game and a determination to succeed, which definitely helped him in this journey."

Elix feels fortunate to have played under Ricke, who was not only his head coach but his position coach, as well, highlighting the relationship he builds with players on and off the field as special. 

"I'm very honored that he would say that," Elix said. "Coach Ricke has really taught me so much about life and just being consistent. That's the main thing that led to where I am now. He always preached to show up every day and even if you don't feel great or you're hurt, just 'fake it till you make it' and it took me a while but I feel it finally payed off."

The leadership Elix showed as a team captain and senior on the offensive line was evident, as his reliability and mental preparation helped him excel in his two years as a starter.

"Carson was a great leader and communicator for our guys up front," said Ricke. "He was also really good for me because we were able to communicate in between series. He was a guy I depended on to tell me what was going on out in the field."

"His mental preparedness and film study helped him be like another coach out there on the field."

Elix spoke about his approach to being prepared by watching countless hours of film, a key that unlocked an advantage for him against opposing defensive fronts.

"I was never the most talented player, so I really tried to do everything right with drills and my technique," said Elix. "I also wanted to be the smartest player on the field, I loved watching film. I was always watching film during my free time. I just really loved watching my team."

"So I felt very confident in my leadership when it came to knowing the plays and what all was going on."

The senior also felt the chemistry carried over from the 2024 title team played a huge part in bringing home the program's 3rd consecutive and fifth state title in December in another close win over Sulphur.

"Well we had been together all of the 2024 season and it really payed off with our chemistry this season," Elix said. "I really just tried to do my job every play and tried to make sure we were all on the same page, and if we did our job then our great running backs or quarterback would do the rest."

The senior's path is one of many that have put on the gold helmet throughout the history of Lincoln.

One of hard work, determination and commitment, that ultimately gets recognized at the highest level in high school football.

"His story is a great example of how to stick with what you started and not get discouraged when things are tough," said Ricke. "I remember the struggles Carson went through during Summer Pride, entering his 9th grade year. It would have been easy for him to just throw in the towel.

"Instead, he determined to ready himself to be a contributor to our program, something he did for the last four years."

Elix has a hard time believing he was lucky enough to win one state title, much less three, as the senior is full of gratitude for his experience not only on, but off the field as a part of Lincoln football.

"It's so crazy to think about," he said. "I remember watching the 2019 team win the state championship and dreaming of winning it one day. To win three is just beyond what I thought would happen."

"I'm just so thankful to have been a part of such a special time in this program. And to be able to do it with my friends has been an experience I will forever be thankful for."



Photos by Lee Talley