California’s powerhouse public schools, Pittsburg and Lincoln (San Diego), are making their way back to the state football championships.
The two teams are set to clash on Friday night, vying for the CIF Division 1-AA state title.
Lincoln (11-2) enters the game riding a nine-game winning streak and recently triumphed over De La Salle—a team familiar to Pittsburg supporters—claiming the 1-AA title in 2022.
In the same weekend last year, Pittsburg (12-2) suffered a 48-20 defeat, marking the last game for long-time head coach Vic Galli, four-star QB Jaden Rashada (Georgia), and several star players. The Pirates reached the regional finals in 2023 but faced a heartbreaking loss to Folsom. However, they have now secured a defining revenge victory over Folsom to reach this stage.
According to CalPreps.com, Lincoln is seen as a slight favorite, with a 60% chance of victory and a projected final score of 31-27. MaxPreps ranks Pittsburg as the 37th team in the nation, while Lincoln sits at No. 64. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is undoubtedly one of the premier games of the week across high school football.
Leading Lincoln is four-star QB Akili Smith Jr. (Oregon), RB Aden Jackson (UC Davis), and Ty Olsen, who is headed to San Jose State as the prime target in a talented receiving corps. Smith has completed 63.1% of his passes for 2,302 yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 461 yards and three rushing touchdowns this season. Jackson adds another 1,670 yards and 22 touchdowns from scrimmage, primarily on the ground. The Lincoln defense features key playmakers including DL Eugene Rice and LB Dylon Dunn, one of five Hornets with three or more interceptions.
Pittsburg also showcases exceptional athleticism, physicality, and resilience at nearly every position. The Pirates boast a formidable QB/RB duo with Marley Alcantara (2,825 yards, 71.1% completion, 40 touchdowns and no interceptions) and Washington State commit Jamar Searcy (1,470 rushing yards, 300 receiving yards, 21 total touchdowns). Their defense excels against the run, with DL Jewellous Walls (UCLA) and LBs Japheth Tofaeono and Etene Pritchard Jr. (San Diego State) combining for 51 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. Attempting to pass against them means facing Jadyn Hudson (UCLA), who has secured seven interceptions in just nine games.
Here’s everything you need to know about streaming Lincoln (San Diego) vs. Pittsburg live.
How to watch Lincoln vs. Pittsburg football
Lincoln (San Diego) vs. Pittsburg will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network. Subscriptions to NFHS Network are available on a monthly or annual basis.
Lincoln vs. Pittsburg start time
- Date: Friday, Dec. 13
- Time: 8:00 p.m. PT
The kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, with the game taking place at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.
