Lincoln Christian’s 3A Semifinal Victory: Strong Defense and Fourth-Down Conversions Lead the Way Against Perkins-Tryon

During the game against Perkins-Tryon, Tulsa Lincoln Christian’s Malakai Dillard stood alone at wide receiver as the Bulldogs faced a crucial fourth down. With the match tied and the football on the Perkins Tryon 19-yard line, Lincoln Christian needed only a couple of yards to keep the drive going.

Despite all odds, senior quarterback Luke Milligan dropped back to pass from the shotgun formation and used a one-man route. Milligan trusted Dillard, and his pass to Dillard over the middle of the field was successful, resulting in Dillard walking into the end zone.

As a result, Lincoln Christian managed to take the lead and secure a 17-10 victory against No. 3 Perkins-Tryon in the semifinals at Bristow High School’s stadium. They advanced to the title game against top-ranked Heritage Hall, the defending champion to be held at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Chad Richison Stadium in Edmond.

Lincoln Christian coach Jerry Ricke described the game as a “classic battle” with both sides showcasing exceptional defense. Perkins-Tryon managed only 142 yards, while Lincoln Christian impressively reached 421 yards.

The game’s defining moment came when Milligan threw a fourth-down screen pass to junior Kylan Schultheis, who made the catch and raced into the end zone for a 34-yard score. Perkins-Tryon countered but Lincoln Christian eventually took the lead and sealed the win with Milligan’s go-ahead score to Dillard.

Lincoln Christian didn’t play a clean game, racking up 15 penalties for 89 yards. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs are optimistic about the title game and look forward to facing the team that coaches their kids equally hard.

Cover high school sports with The Oklahoman, Nick Sardis, by reaching him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @nicksardis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoma HS football: Lincoln Christian tops Perkins-Tryon in 3A semis