LINCOLN CHRISTIAN BULLDOGS

Coach: JERRY RICKE

11-2

OFFENSE

The excitement levels never seem to drop at Lincoln Christian. Head coach Jerry Ricke is looking forward to having this new group of the field for a challenging 2023 season. “We are once again excited about the upcoming season. We have a nice mix of returners with some talented young players that we feel will give us a chance. As always, we know the importance of a high district finish that will allow us another chance to make a deep playoff run,” said coach Ricke. Quarterback Luke Milligan (6-2, 183, Sr.) is back after completing 205 of 288 passing attempts last season with 3,460 yards and 40 touchdowns on the year. His numbers are beyond impressive. One of his main targets is back as well in Dylan Baldridge (6-1, 180, Sr.) who made 34 receptions for 581 yards and nine TDs. The offensive line will play a key role in the overall success of the program this season with Caden Ricke (6-2, 285, Sr.), David Smithwick (6-4, 275, Sr.), and Grayson Swafford (6-4, 240, Sr.) leading the way. Ricke has 41 varsity starts to his credit while Smithwick has 27 and Swafford has 13. One player who will love seeing this big line up front is running back Moses Fullingim (6-1, 215, Sr.) who rushed for 335 yards and seven scores a year ago.

DEFENSE

Getting athletes on the field and playing a 3-3-5 scheme is the medicine coach Ricke is prescribing this season. Baldridge will start safety with Sawyer Brooks (6-0, 175, Sr.). The defensive line will feature Fullingim and Luke McCants (6-0, 180, Jr.) at end and Smithwick playing inside. Mason Torres (6-0, 175, Jr.) made 48 tackles and seven tackles for loss at linebacker, and he makes his return at the same position. “We really like our athleticism at

all three levels of our defense. We will rely on our ability to pursue the ball, tackle well, and be stingy in critical situations,” said coach Ricke. Also look for Rain Ragland to make an impact on both sides of the ball this season as a talented underclassman. The coaching staff consists of Jeff Comfort (DC/S), Kaelin Woods (OC/QB), Tim McWhorter (SC/WR), Zac Fullingim (DL), Stephon Walsh (RB), Jim Landers (C), and Lamar Baker (LB).

SCHEDULE

8-25 – vs. Holland Hall

9-1 – at Jones

9-8 – vs. Vian

9-15 – vs. Shiloh Christian, AR.

9-22 – vs. Berryhill

10-6 – at Checotah

10-12 – at Seminole

10-20 – at Stigler

10-27 – vs. Muldrow

11-3 – at Locust Grove