Lincoln High School is your 2024 Division 1-AA State Champion!
In a showdown Friday at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, the Hornets etched their name into California high school football history once again with a 28-26 nail-biting win.
This marks Lincoln’s second state championship victory, following their win in 2022 against national powerhouse De La Salle (Concord). Coming off their 11th San Diego CIF title earlier this season, Lincoln delivered another impressive title run.
This highly anticipated matchup against Pittsburg High School (East Bay) featured powerhouse programs loaded with Division 1 college talent. Lincoln’s offense was led by star quarterback Akili Smith Jr., a University of Oregon commit and son of San Diego football legend Akili Smith.
Smith Jr. had a standout group of receivers, including 3-star talents Isaiah Grant and San Jose State commit Ty Olsen.
On the other side, Pittsburg brought their own elite firepower, led by standout running back Jamar Searcy. A 3-star talent committed to Washington State, Searcy showcased his dual-threat abilities as a physical runner and pass catcher.
On the coaching side, Lincoln had defensive mastermind Bashieff Jones and head coach David Dunn at the helm.
First Half: A Battle of Heavyweights
The first half was as gritty as the cold, windy night itself. Although the score was knotted at 14-14 at halftime, Lincoln dominated time of possession and established their rhythm early.
On Lincoln’s first possession, they drove the length of the field but came up empty with a missed field goal. Pittsburg followed with a quick 3-and-out, and Lincoln capitalized on their second drive. Smith connected with Tyree Shine for the game’s first touchdown.
Pittsburg responded with a powerful drive, thanks to Searcy’s big runs, but turned the ball over on an incredible toe-tap interception by Abdulahi Sharif. Lincoln couldn’t convert the turnover into points, and punted. Searcy quickly turned the momentum, breaking loose for a 45-plus yard rushing touchdown, tying the game 7-7.
The back-and-forth continued. After Pittsburg’s Jadyn Hudson picked off Smith, the Pirates were forced to punt again. Lincoln answered with another strong drive, highlighted by big plays to Grant, capped off by a touchdown pass to Olsen in the corner of the end zone to go up 14-7.
Pittsburg wouldn’t back down. With just over two minutes remaining, quarterback Marley Alcantara orchestrated a quick drive with big plays to Searcy, who punched it in at the goal line to tie it up with his second touchdown of the half.
Second Half: Lincoln’s Championship Resolve
The second half started with a bang. Just three plays in, Smith fired a dart to Grant, who broke free for an electrifying 73-yard touchdown. With kicker Felix Benavidez adding the extra point, Lincoln took a 21-14 lead.
Pittsburg wasted no time responding. Searcy made a one-handed catch to set up a goal-line score, rushing in for his third touchdown of the night. However, Pittsburg missed the point after, leaving the score 21-20.
The rest of the third quarter slowed down, marked by penalties and defensive stands on both sides. As the fourth quarter began, Lincoln’s defense delivered a huge 3-and-out, setting up their championship drive.
With time winding down, Lincoln executed a clock-draining possession that showcased their poise and discipline. Smith capped the drive by bulldozing into the end zone for a crucial touchdown, extending Lincoln’s lead to 28-20.
Pittsburg, refusing to quit, mounted one final surge. Searcy broke free for yet another touchdown to bring Pittsburg within striking distance at 28-26. But Pittsburg’s attempt at a game-tying two point conversion fell short, leaving Lincoln in the driver’s seat with just over a minute remaining.
Pittsburg’s last-ditch onside kick failed, but their defense forced a quick 3-and-out, giving them one final chance. With less than 20 seconds remaining, Lincoln’s defense, led by Prince Tavizon, KUSI Defensive Player of the Year Eugene Rice and Niko Ta’a, sealed the victory with a season-ending sack, denying Pittsburg a miracle comeback.
A Celebration to Remember
As the final whistle blew, Lincoln’s sideline erupted. Players, coaches and fans stormed the field in a sea of green. The Lincoln Hornets are once again on top of California high school football, and their 2024 Division 1-AA State Championship will be remembered as one of the great moments in the program’s storied history.
Elijah O’Leary is a freshman at Mt. San Jacinto College.
