Another huge test awaits No. 1 Lincoln Christian tonight, as the Bulldogs return home for the first time in 2026 to host rival Shiloh Christian (AR).

Lincoln (2-0) already has two big wins over highly-ranked Jones (3A) and Heritage Hall (3A) and will look to earn another one, as the defending Class 6A state champs come west across state lines for another huge matchup.

The Bulldogs came from behind last Friday in a 20-19 win at Heritage Hall, pushing the program's win streak to 44 straight games.

It was Lincoln's 9th straight win over Heritage Hall, an Oklahoma power, which was preceded by a 25-13 win the week before on the road at Jones.

"We have two great road wins against two great teams," said Lincoln head coach Jerry Ricke. "I told our kids that Heritage Hall just doesn't lose at home, so that was a big win for our young team. It is always difficult to win on the road, and I'm proud of our guys for getting those wins."

Lincoln now returns home for the first time since last season's quarterfinal playoff win over Kingfisher.

The Bulldogs have won 59 straight games at home, dating back to September 2017.

"I know our kids are excited to be at home, and I'm sure we will have a great crowd there to support us," said Ricke.

Lincoln's 44-game win streak is currently the second-longest win streak in Oklahoma and the 5th longest all-time.

The Bulldogs are 94-4 since the start of 2019 and 105-6 since the beginning of the 2018 season.

Lincoln's last loss came 1,386 days ago, as the Bulldogs won back-to-back-to-back Class 3A state championships before dropping down to 2A-1 this season.

The Bulldogs have won three in a row over Shiloh, as well.

The series is tied 3-3, as Lincoln's last regular season loss overall came to the Saints in a 42-35 overtime game in 2022.

The two teams have combined for 14 state titles in the last 27 years.

Shiloh, ranked No. 1 in Class 7A, is led by 4th year head coach Tucker Barnard, who is 33-9 but winless vs. Lincoln.

The Saints, now in Class 7A, have won nine state titles since 1998 and have played for a state championship in five of the last six seasons.

Shiloh is 45-11 since the start of the 2022 season.

Last season, Lincoln came from behind to win 41-33 on the road in Rogers behind a strong offensive performance.

The Bulldogs rolled in 2024 over Shiloh, winning 35-14. Lincoln also won 20-14 over the Saints at home in 2023.

Shiloh Christian @ No. 1 Lincoln Christian

Friday, Sept. 11 — 7 p.m.

Willie George Field at Dennis Byrd Stadium — Tulsa, OK

7th meeting in all-time series — tied 3-3

WATCH HERE

OFFENSE

Lincoln found just enough success offensively to find a way, as the Bulldogs put together some big plays early and late, finishing the game with a go-ahead touchdown drive in the win at Heritage Hall.

Lincoln ran for only 69 yards at less than three yards per attempt, but sophomore quarterback Major Brooks had a breakout game, finishing with 253 passing yards and two total TDs in the win.

"We need to be better in the run game and sustain our blocks much better," Ricke said. "I am really proud of Major and his ability to make plays in the passing game, and we will need him to be great again against Shiloh."

Brooks connected with receivers Caleb Peterson and Kade Wilson five times each, as Peterson racked up 130 yards and a touchdown, while Wilson finished with 94 yards in the win.

The Bulldogs hope to get back to establishing the run up front, as Lincoln ran for 297 yards as a team in the season opener against Jones, thanks to four newcomers on the offensive line.

"I'm really proud of all of our guys, but our newcomers have come in and just done a great job," said Ricke. "Nate Uyetake and Josiah Faulkner are a couple of guys who stand out. They have been very good on both sides of the ball, and we have needed them to be."

Max Madrid had just 27 yards last week, but scored a touchdown and leads the Bulldogs with 125 yards through two games. He also has 58 yards receiving.

"We need to continue to clean up some of our mistakes and penalties," said Ricke. "We have had too many pre-snap penalties that have put us behind the chains. We also need to be better in all areas of our special teams."

Senior Colt Monsey has just two catches at tight end for Lincoln, but both have been big, totaling 63 yards, including a 29-yard gain on 4th down on the go-ahead drive last week.

The Bulldogs average 380 yards per game through the two wins (185 rushing, 195 passing) and gain 6.8 yards per play.

"We have to take care of the football and avoid negative plays. When we get the opportunity, we have to take advantage of some big plays," Ricke said.

Lincoln has 16 explosive plays (20 yards or more) in the first two games. The Bulldogs have just one turnover on offense.

Shiloh Christian has allowed just 38 points through two games, as the Saints are led by a defense with five seniors and 10 upperclassmen.

"They are one of the most difficult defenses that we will prepare for all year. They have a very attacking scheme, and they do it with great players," said Ricke. "Corbin Miller and Max Eldridge are both the real deal at linebacker, and their defensive line is relentless. They will be a very big challenge for us."

Miller is a 6-foot-5, 232 lb junior middle linebacker, while Eldridge plays at 5-foot-7, 169 lbs. next to him outside.

Eldridge has 16 tackles through two games, while Miller has 10 sacks but three sacks.

Junior defensive back Tate Barnard (6-foot, 175 lbs.) leads the Saints with 19 tackles through two games.

Senior Max Kimbrow (6-foot-3, 221 lbs.) is one of the top players for Shiloh up front.

DEFENSE

The Bulldogs defense answered the call big-time in the second half last week, as Lincoln limited Heritage Hall to just 72 second half yards and turned the Chargers over three times in the thrilling win.

Lincoln allows just 16 points per game and have held opponents to 41% on third down thus far.

The Bulldogs gave up some drives early, but defensive coordinator Jeff Comfort was proud of his group for digging deep and finding a way, just as they did a week earlier vs. Jones.

"We have played two really good opponents and our kids haven't flinched at all," said Comfort. "They've risen up in some tough situations and continued to fight with their backs against the wall."

The Bulldogs are playing a lot of new faces defensively, along with some familiar contributors up front that continue to get better each and every week.

"The most important stat is that we're 2-0 and we just need to keep getting better every week. These are good games for kids to see what we're made of and so far they haven't disappointed."

Last week's standout was junior corner Cayden Mathurin, who picked off three passes, tying a school record.

He, and fellow corner senior Eli Summerlin, have done a great job in the secondary for Comfort and Ricke against two high-octane passing attacks.

"Cayden Mathurin obviously has come in and really been great so far at corner this year," said Ricke. "Eli Summerlin is another new guy who has stepped into a starter role and has been really good."

Peterson has also been outstanding in the secondary for Lincoln through two games, as the junior has 12 tackles, an interception and two pass break ups.

Lincoln has been opportunistic through the first two games, creating turnovers and additional opportunities for Ricke and the offense, something Comfort hopes can continue.

"I think the turnovers have been a nice surprise," said Comfort. "We work on that during practice, but it has been huge to force five turnovers over two games. Those are big momentum plays that can fuel our team."

Some other newcomers include sophomore safety Max Madrid, junior defensive lineman Nate Uyetake, junior linebacker Braxton McGinnis and sophomore defensive lineman Josiah Faulkner.

All of the aforementioned have stepped into big roles defensively and have helped Lincoln play well in its first two wins. 

"The newcomers have done a great job settling in. They have seen a lot thrown at them and a lot of speed early," said Comfort. "They're going to see it again on Friday."

McGinnis has 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Madrid has seven stops, Uyetake has eight and a forced fumble and Faulkner has three tackles through two games.

The Bulldogs will again lean on four returning standouts in seniors Rain Ragland and Colt Monsey up front, as well as senior Parker Rogers and junior Isaac Beisel at linebacker.

Ragland has six tackles and a fumble recovery thus far, while Monsey has 10 stops, six tackles for loss and an impressive four sacks through two games.

Beisel leads the team with 19 tackles, two for loss, while Rogers has been great with 13 tackles and a forced fumble.

"It will be good that our defense have seen quality opponents as we prepare to face another one. So far they have risen to the challenge and we will have to do it again Friday."

Lincoln has its third big challenge in as many weeks tonight when the Bulldogs host another high-flying offense when Shiloh comes to town.

It all starts with senior quarterback Cole Creighton (5-foot-11, 185 lbs.) for the Saints, who has completed 74% of passes for 531 yards through two games. He also is a threat with his legs, as he's rushed for 77 yards on 8.6 yards per carry and has four total touchdowns.

"Defensively, we have to be ready for their tempo and keep their QB in check. We need to be much better in our special teams and use them as a weapon," said Ricke.

Creighton has plenty of weapons, including senior receiver Cohen Beach (6-foot-1, 190 lbs.) and running backs Eldridge and junior Charlie Kroell (5-foot-10, 185 lbs).

Beach has nine grabs for 273 yards and three TDs through two games. Eldridge has 105 yards and five scores, while Kroell has 12 carries for 72 yards and a TD.

"We're going to have to handle their tempo and early energy," Comfort said. "They do a good job of going fast and not letting you get your feet underneath you. We are going to have to tackle well and try to get their QB off rhythm."

"Also, we need to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down. There is going to be about 10-12 game-changing plays and we are going to need make those Friday night."

Barnard is one of nine receivers to catch a pass from Creighton thus far, as he has six catches for 90 yards.

"It will be good that our defense have seen quality opponents as we prepare to face another one. So far they have risen to the challenge and we will have to do it again Friday."

Comfort and his group have risen to the occasion twice when it mattered most thus far and will be excited to have the chance to do so again tonight, especially at home.

"I just want to see our kids go out and play relentless football like they usually do. It will be nice playing our first home game of the season and the energy will be high in the stadium," said Comfort. "We need to embrace that, but also play steady football and go out and do our job and get the ball back to our offense as much as possible."