Lincoln Outlast Chiles, 42-28

On October 10, the Lincoln Trojans (5–2) took on the Chiles Timberwolves (4–4) in a highly anticipated district championship matchup. Lincoln, riding a two-game win streak, looked to extend that run and secure the title. Chiles, meanwhile, was coming off a heartbreaking loss to Florida High and hoped to bounce back by defending home turf and walking away with the crown. This game turned out to be exactly as advertised.

In the battle for the district championship, both teams looked poised to make their claim to the title, and early on it appeared Chiles might make the first statement. The Wolves opened strong after a few big plays, converting on third down before running back Gerald Clark broke free for a long run to push Chiles deep into scoring range. Quarterback Gavin Ford kept the drive alive with a short keeper, but a holding call and missed field goal from kicker Hagen Perdue kept the game scoreless late in the first quarter.

Lincoln quickly responded as quarterback Taylor Jacobs Jr. connected with receiver Maliek Denmark for a deep touchdown pass with 3:18 left in the first, putting the Trojans ahead 0–7. Chiles went three and out on its next possession, giving Lincoln early control.

Early in the second quarter, Chiles capitalized after Lincoln failed on a risky fourth down attempt. Running back Gerald Clark broke free for a big gain and finished the drive with a short touchdown run to tie it 7–7. But that momentum was short-lived as Kabran Paul returned the ensuing kickoff for a Lincoln touchdown to reclaim the lead 14-7. The Wolves continued to lean heavily on their ground game, and Gerald Clark found himself in the end zone again to make it 14–14 midway through the quarter. Lincoln answered once more when receiver Trevor Jacobs hauled in a touchdown pass to go up 21-14, but Chiles tied it again right before halftime when Jeremiah Cadet powered in a short touchdown with 38 seconds left, sending the game into the break knotted 21–21.

Lincoln opened the second half determined to take control, capping off its first drive with a rushing touchdown from Tadarius Huggins to move ahead 28-21. On the ensuing kickoff, a fumble by Chiles’ returner set Lincoln up with excellent field position, and the Trojans capitalized as Trevor Jacobs hauled in his second touchdown of the night to make it 35-21.

In the fourth quarter, a Lincoln interception set up another touchdown pass from star quarterback Taylor Jacobs Jr. to Maliek Denmark, extending the lead 42-21. Chiles refused to quit, with Gerald Clark adding his third touchdown of the night late in the game, but with time running out on the Wolves’ comeback, it was clear that Lincoln had claimed the district championship with a final score of 42-28.

Notable performances for Lincoln included WR Maliek Denmark (Sr.) with two touchdown receptions, WR Trevor Jacobs (Jr.) with two receiving touchdowns, and QB Taylor Jacobs Jr. (Sr.) with four touchdown passes and 239 passing yards. For Chiles, RB Gerald Clark (Sr.) recorded three touchdowns and 187 rushing yards.