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Lincoln College Prep won its first district title since the turn of the century just last week. The Blue Tigers' reward is a date with Smithville, the top-ranked Class 4 team in Missouri.

The Blue Tigers will host the quarterfinal matchup against Smithville at IL Stadium on the campus of Southeast High School. An overflow crowd is expected and Lincoln's home field adorned with blue turf didn't meet seating capacity as required by MSHSAA.

Lincoln Prep had come up short the last two seasons in its bid to claim the program's first district championship since 1999. The breakthrough came against Nevada in the form of a 41-18 beatdown. The Blue Tigers will face an undefeated Smithville team that has made it to the state semifinals twice since 2018.

The Warriors are 10-0 in 2021 and are 41-7 over the last four seasons. Smithville advanced to the Class 4 state semifinals in 2018 and 2020. Jason Ambroson's squad is talented, strong and explosive. Only one team has come within 10 points of Smithville this year.

"Smithville is exactly who everyone thinks they are… the No. 1 team in the state," Lincoln Prep head coach William Lowe said. "They would be the favorites to win Class 5 also. They are that good."

Lowe took over the Lincoln Prep program in 2017 and has won 38 games in that span. The Blue Tigers are 29-4 since 2019, unparalleled success for a team from the Interscholastic League. Many doubted if the Blue Tigers could sustain their winning ways after losing a senior class that featured at least four Division I players. At least three moved on to Power 5 college programs.

Top to bottom, the Blue Tigers may lack individual star power, but the sum of their parts have equaled a much more balanced team, Lowe said.

"The 2021 squad is the epitome of a team," he said. "They have been such a joy to coach. They cheer for each other and really care for each other. They want to be challenged and coached hard and they set high expectations for themselves."

Although Lincoln Prep is the host, the Blue Tigers will not be favored against Smithville. It's a common refrain Lowe has heard all season when faced with quality competition. Each time, the Blue Tigers answered the call.

Don't expect things to be any different Friday against Smithville.

"We are constantly trying to prove people wrong," Lowe said. "Early on, people said, 'wait till you play Cardinal Ritter.' When we beat them then it was, 'wait till you play at Maryville.' When we beat them it was, 'yea, well wait till you play Center.'

"Our kids have answered every challenge and will play extremely hard. Their mental toughness has been the best I’ve ever had on a team. It will be a tall order to beat Smithville but I have no doubt our kids will play hard. I am proud of them for how they have carried themselves all season.

"We are constantly fighting to get respect because we are an 'IL' team but despite what happens Friday these kids deserve it. They have overcome a lot."