Lincoln Christian Bulldogs OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2024 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the reigning Class 3A state champion Lincoln Christian Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lincoln Christian Bulldogs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #1 In Class 3A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #1 In Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Jerry Ricke - 8th Season - 80-13 Record At Lincoln Christian</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (14-0 Record - Class 3A State Champions)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25 - Beat Holland Hall 33-0<br>Sept. 1 - Beat Jones 56-34<br>Sept. 8 - Beat Vian 55-11<br>Sept. 15 - Beat Shiloh Christian, AR. 20-14<br>Sept. 22 - Beat Berryhill 49-13<br>Oct. 6 - Beat Checotah 54-20<br>Oct. 12 - Beat Seminole 49-6<br>Oct. 20 - Beat Stigler 49-0<br>Oct. 27 - Beat Muldrow 63-13<br>Nov. 3 - Beat Locust Grove 55-16<br>1st Round - Beat Bristow 56-6<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Sulphur 45-7<br>Semifinals - Beat Perkins-Tryon 17-10<br>Championship - Beat Heritage Hall 48-28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 46.4 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 12.7 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln Christian came into the 2023 season with high expectations and those expectations were lived out as the Bulldogs went undefeated and captured their third state championship. The Bulldogs faced another challenging non-district schedule but still had a perfect regular season. The only game during the regular season that was decided by less than 30 points was a week three win over Arkansas power Shiloh Christian. Lincoln would continue that domination in the first two rounds of the playoffs before getting a scare from Perkins-Tryon in the semifinals. They would face off with top-ranked Heritage Hall, who was going after a second straight title in the championship game and these two teams were ranked 1 and 2 from the preseason rankings until they met in Edmond. Despite falling down 28-7, the Bulldogs would knock off the Chargers 48-28 to win another gold ball. The Lincoln offense was absolutely dominant from start to finish and had complete balance between the pass and run game. The defense was one of the better units in the state and showed up week after week. Lincoln Christian won at least ten games for the sixth consecutive season and they go into the 2024 season looking to continue their dominance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When 2024 began, Lincoln Christian (and several other private schools) were slated to be in Class 4A after being bumped up. In April, a group of OKC-area private schools won a case that would actually reverse that and the Bulldogs now find themselves back in Class 3A. Instead of facing new faces in Class 4A for the first time in school history, the Bulldogs will now get to defend their Class 3A state championship. And the Bulldogs are reloading for another run at the gold ball. Lincoln Christian will have the majority of their starters back but the offense is going to look very different this fall. They'll have a new quarterback, running game and they lost multiple offensive linemen to graduation. So at least early on in 2024, we expect the defense to lead the way while those new names get used to playing at a high level. And the Bulldogs will once again test themselves right from the start of the season. Lincoln will test themselves against a brutal non-district schedule but that should prepare them for the district slate. And Lincoln's district slate will actually be more competitive than what we've seen over the last several seasons. The Bulldogs will look to get out to a fast start and they'll definitely be one of the favorites in Class 3A once again.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caden Ricke - Offensive Lineman<br>David Smithwick - Offensive Lineman<br>Luke Milligan - Quarterback<br>Moses Fullingim - Running Back<br>Sawyer Brooks - Running Back/Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602991"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66836f113a0d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln Christian had two different running backs go over 1,000 yards on the ground last season. Both have graduated and the Bulldogs need to reload in the running game. We anticipate the Bulldogs to use multiple guys at the running back position. But one of those guys could end up being sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='602991' first='Braeden' last='Baker'] after we got a chance to watch him a handful of times this offseason. Baker was one of the running back standouts at our camp in January and then he had a solid spring at the team camp in Claremore. Baker isn't going to have to do it all by himself but we expect him to have a breakout season for the Bulldogs this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1101281"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66836f113a133"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln Christian junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1101281' first='Carter' last='Ricke'] has been waiting for this moment for pretty much his whole life. Ricke has grown up in the Lincoln football program, waiting for his opportunity to become QB1 for the Bulldogs and it's finally here. Ricke first broke out last fall as a standout on the defensive side of the ball. Lincoln Christian now needs him to move over to offense at quarterback and he's ready for the challenge. Ricke is a terrific athlete that will look to beat defenses in a variety of ways. This spring, Ricke did a really good job of throwing on the run but remaining consistent. Ricke could be the next guy up in a long line of successful Lincoln quarterbacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1101277"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66836f113a179"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Don't be surprised if senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1101277' first='Jack' last='Milligan'] ends up becoming the top target for Ricke in the passing game. Milligan was the second leading receiver on last year's team with just shy of 400 yards receiving. With the Bulldogs losing their top target in the passing game this offseason, Milligan appears to be ready to take that next step and be that guy this year. Milligan is a tall receiver that has sure hands and we got a good chance to see him in the spring. He was a reliable pass-catcher when Lincoln was throwing the ball downfield. It wouldn't be surprising to see Milligan's production in the passing game reach new heights this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["867298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66836f113a1ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As we mentioned earlier in the preview, Lincoln Christian's defense looks like it'll be the strength of the team, at least early on in the year. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='867298' first='Mason' last='Torres'] leads a very talented and experienced front seven into this season. Torres was one of the team's leading tacklers last season and he's back looking to make another jump as a player. Last year, Torres finished with just over 70 tackles and made a significant leap from his sophomore season. And just like Baker, Torres turned heads at one of our camps this offseason. In April, Torres earned MVP honors from the linebacker position and he's looking to become one of the best in 3A this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1035134"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66836f113a1fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's easy to get caught up and make bold predictions in the summer. But we don't think it's a stretch to suggest that Lincoln Christian sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1035134' first='Rain' last='Ragland'] could be the school's best defender when it's all said and done. Ragland has been starting for the Bulldogs since the start of his freshman year and he was a breakout player. He finished with over 50 tackles and a handful of sacks last season. And after watching the Bulldogs in person this spring, we were very impressed with his improvement as a player and his growth physically as it looked like he spent the offseason in the weight room. Simply put, Ragland will be a force for the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1642495' first='Caleb' last='Peterson'] - 2028 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1164507' first='CJ' last='Wright'] - 2028 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Connor Rowlett - 2026 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='884992' first='Dawson' last='Fullingim'] - 2025 Defensive Lineman<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1292096' first='Kylan' last='Schultheis'] - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1101282' first='Lincoln' last='Torres'] - 2027 Defensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - AT Victory Christian<br><strong>Sept. 6th - AT Heritage Hall<br></strong>- There are going to be some very good match-ups in week one and this one will be hard to beat. Lincoln Christian travels to Oklahoma City to face Heritage Hall in a match-up of Class 3A powerhouses and a rematch of last year's state championship game. This week one match-up will actually be the first time these two goliaths have met in the regular season. In the last six seasons, they've met in either the semifinals or championship game five times. In fact, the only time these two teams have played each other has been in the championship game or semifinals. <br>Sept. 13th - Shiloh Christian, AR.<br>Sept. 27th - Stigler<br><strong>Oct. 4th - AT Holland Hall<br></strong>- In week five, Lincoln Christian will hit the road to face off with another private school rival in Holland Hall. These two teams got very familiar with each other in the last five years. They met in back to back state championship games in 2020 and 2021 and have also been non-district opponents recently. Now, they find themselves in the same district and that really cranks up the competition level for Lincoln Christian. The Bulldogs dominated last season's meeting with a 33-0 victory to open up the 2023 season. A win here will put Lincoln in a good spot in the district standings. <br>Oct. 11th - Locust Grove<br>Oct. 17th - AT Muldrow<br>Oct. 25th - AT Checotah<br>Nov. 1st - Eufaula<br><strong>Nov. 8th - Idabel<br></strong>- In the final week of the regular season, Lincoln Christian will go head to head with 3A newcomer Idabel. The Warriors are moving up to 3A this fall and expect to compete immediately. As we mentioned with the Holland Hall match-up, Lincoln will be entering new territory with a much more difficult district slate. After dominating district play for the last several years, the Bulldogs could be tested much more before the playoffs. And it wouldn't be surprising to see this week ten clash between Lincoln and Idabel decide the district championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no doubt that Lincoln Christian has been one of the best programs over the last decade and head coach Jerry Ricke has taken them to new heights since taking over. But it wasn't an easy transition when Ricke became the head ball coach. In his first season as head coach, Lincoln Christian would go 5-7. But ever since, they've been nothing short of dominant. After going 5-7 in his first season, Ricke has gone 75-6 in the last six seasons, winning at least ten games in each of the last six seasons. They've captured two state championships and have been to the state title game four times in the last five seasons. That 75-6 record in the last six seasons is without a doubt one of the best records during that stretch in Oklahoma. And the thing that is impressive is Lincoln always has one of the tougher non-district schedules. They don't shy away from competition and win at a very high level. This season is another example of the Bulldogs looking to compete early in the non-district slate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 14-0 - Class 3A State Champions <br>2022 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 3A Semifinals<br>2021 - 13-1 - Class 3A Runner Ups<br>2020 - 12-1 - Class 3A Runner Ups<br>2019 - 14-0 - Class 3A State Champions </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>3 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - Beat Heritage Hall 48-28<br>2019 - Beat Plainview 42-21<br>2009 - Beat Kingfisher 35-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->