Lincoln Prep is in unchartered territory.
The Blue Tigers, 11-0, will host Platte County on Friday. The winner will claim the Missouri Class 4, District 8 championship.
Since postseason play began in Missouri in 1969 Lincoln Prep has one district title. That came in 1999 when the Blue Tigers advanced to week 11 where they beaten by Boonville 54-0
In the present, top-seeded and undefeated Lincoln Prep will try to extend its best season in school history against an equally talented 8-3 Platte County team, the district's third-seeded team.
Action is set for 7:05 p.m. The atmosphere promises to be one for the ages.
“The biggest thing for our kids is just they’re resilient and tough,” Lincoln Prep head coach William Lowe said after a thrilling double overtime district semifinal win over Excelsior Springs. “We’ve shown that all year, which is a testament to them.”
Record-wise, this year’s edition of the Blue Tigers have won 11 games for the first time in school history. That is a known fact. But records go out the door in postseason football, and Lowe is well aware of this.
Now in his fifth year at Lincoln and third season as head coach, Lowe has stressed to his team all week the importance of being in the moment.
“I tell them, ‘you haven’t won anything yet,’” he said.
Truth is, Lincoln has more work to do this season, Lowe said. Their goal of advancing deep into the state playoffs is still out in front of them. But for the first time in decades, the Blue Tigers will play for a district title. And that is an undisputed fact that no one can deny.
We just don’t know if it’s been two decades or five.
“It’s crazy (being 11-0), but I am happy for our kids,” Lowe said.
