Niceville Hosts Lincoln For the Right to the Final Four. Here’s What They Need to Win

The Niceville Eagles will face a familiar opponent in the Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans this Friday night in the high school football playoffs. The stakes are higher this time, as Lincoln enters as the top seed and hosts the rematch on their home turf.

The two teams previously clashed on October 18 in Niceville, with the Eagles narrowly escaping with a 38-35 win. Niceville dominated early, scoring 28 points in the first three quarters and leading 17-7 at halftime.

However, Lincoln roared back in the fourth quarter to briefly take the lead before a pivotal touchdown pass to Eagles running back Connor Mathews sealed the victory for Niceville.

Since that game, Lincoln has been a team on a mission. The Trojans haven’t lost a game since their showdown with Niceville, and have showcased a balanced offense and a stifling defense in their playoff run. They have allowed only 13 points combined in their last two games, including a 21-0 shutout of the Mainland Buccaneers on November 15.

The Eagles, however, face a more formidable challenge this time. Niceville will be without critical defensive player Uriah West, who suffered an injury in their last playoff game against Middleburg.

This loss comes at a critical time, as Lincoln’s offense features a potent dual-threat quarterback in Senior Christian Sims, Jr.

Sims has been a standout all season, passing for over 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive year. He has 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions and averages nearly two passing touchdowns per game. But Sims isn’t just a threat through the air—he’s also the team’s second-leading rusher. Along with running backs Tadarius Huggins and Tyler Howard, Lincoln’s ground game has accounted for more than 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

Lincoln’s offensive versatility is matched by its disciplined play. The Trojans have been careful with the ball, committing just six fumbles and five interceptions all year. Niceville’s defense, which has struggled at times against the passing game, will need to play its best game yet to contain both the pass and the run.

On the other side of the ball, Niceville’s offense must make the most of every possession. Lincoln’s defense has been smothering in the postseason, holding Fleming Island to 301 yards in a narrow 16-13 win and limiting Mainland to just 161 yards in their shutout victory.

Both teams have proven they belong at this stage of the season. For Niceville, the keys to victory will be shutting down Sims and his supporting cast, avoiding turnovers, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. For Lincoln, the formula is simple: keep doing what they’ve been doing.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at The Eagle’s Nest in Niceville. With two strong teams and a playoff history between them, fans can expect an intense and closely contested game.

Our Prediction:

Niceville 28 – Lincoln 27