Lincoln (San Diego) edged Pittsburg 28-26 for the California Division 1-AA state championship at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo Friday night. It’s the school’s second state crown in the last three years.
With Oregon-recruit Akili Smith Jr. leading the offense, the Hornets, ranked No. 94 in the High School Football America 300 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football, never trailed in a hard-fought game. Smith, who’s father, Akili Smith Sr., was an NFL quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals for four years, scored what ended up being the game-winning touchdown with 3:44 to play in the fourth.
The other three touchdown came via Smith strong right arm.
After closing to 28-26 on a Jamar Seacy TD run, No. 45 Pittsburg decided to go for two, but the Lincoln defense was equal to the task.
Seacy, who signed to play at Washington State, scored all four Pittsburg TDs while rushing for 196 yards.
