The Leon Lions remained undefeated Friday night, improving to 7-0 with a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Lincoln Trojans that ended a 27-year losing streak against their longtime rival.
The Lions and Trojans traded momentum throughout a back-and-forth contest, with defensive stops, special teams plays and late-game heroics setting up a finish that came down to the final possession of the second overtime.
Leon struck first, scoring on its opening drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Markeith Buggs to take a 7-0 lead. The Lions leaned heavily on their running game early, but Lincoln’s special teams provided an opportunity to respond when the Trojans blocked a punt with 3:26 remaining in the first quarter.
Lincoln capitalized on the favorable field position with a touchdown pass to Andreas Green, tying the game at 7-7 with 1:54 left in the quarter.
The Trojans took control of the momentum early in the second quarter after recovering a fumble in Leon territory. Lincoln converted the turnover into another touchdown, with Andreas Green scoring on a direct snap. Barron Burris added the extra point to give the Trojans a 14-7 lead.
Leon responded with a field goal after penalties stalled its drive, cutting the deficit to 14-10. The Lions then made one of the game’s biggest defensive plays when Devin Colson returned an interception for a touchdown with a minute remaining in the first half, putting Leon back in front, 17-14.
Lincoln answered before halftime, as Barron Burris connected on a 48-yard field goal to send the teams into the break tied at 17-17.
The defensive battle continued after halftime. Lincoln put together a lengthy opening drive of the second half but was stopped on fourth down at Leon’s 1-yard line, giving the Lions possession after a critical goal-line stand.
The Trojans eventually broke through late in the third quarter. Jayden Wells scored on a 2-yard run with 26 seconds remaining in the period to put Lincoln ahead 24-17.
Leon answered with another touchdown pass to Markeith Buggs, tying the game at 24 and setting up a tense fourth quarter.
With five minutes remaining, Leon’s special teams blocked a crucial Lincoln field goal attempt to preserve the tie. The Lions later converted a critical fourth down with a minute left, keeping their hopes of a game-winning score alive.
Leon appeared to have one final opportunity to win in regulation, but a field goal attempt came up short with one second remaining. The game headed to overtime with the score still tied at 24.
Lincoln scored a touchdown on its first overtime possession, putting the pressure on Leon to respond. After a face-mask penalty moved the Lions closer to the end zone, Leon quarterback Caleb Knipple scored on a quarterback sneak to even the game and force a second overtime.
The Lions opened the second overtime with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Markeith Buggs in the end zone, giving Leon the lead and putting the pressure back on the Trojans.
Lincoln had one final opportunity to extend the game, but Leon’s defense had different plans. The Lions forced a fumble and Da’Mon Murray recovered it, securing the victory and bringing an end to the program’s 27-year losing streak against Lincoln.
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