The Lincoln Christian Bulldogs surrendered three touchdowns Saturday — more than they had allowed all season — but saved their best for last in a thrilling 24-21 win over Sulphur in the Class 3A state championship at UCO’s Chad Richison Stadium.

Trailing 21-14 midway through the third quarter, Lincoln faced rare adversity. After its offense was stopped at the goal line, the defense flipped the momentum. CJ Wright’s 25-yard free-kick return set up a nineplay drive capped by Braeden Baker’s bruising 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Carter Ricke’s 2-point pass to Caleb Peterson for the go-ahead points.

Then the defense slammed the door.

After racking up 277 yards through three quarters, Sulphur managed just six plays and minus-4 yards in the fourth. The clincher came when Rowlett made a diving interception at the Sulphur 39, allowing Lincoln to drain the final 2:50.

Beisel led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles, followed by Lincoln Torres (9) and Parker Rogers (7), as Lincoln adjusted to Sulphur’s physicality and finished the season with a championship stand.

The Bulldogs extended their win streak to 42 with the victory.