The Chargers brought a 10-1 record into the Class 3A Semifinal showdown against undefeated Lincoln Christian. A coin flip between the two District Champions determined that the game would be played in Tulsa. Having faced the Bulldogs two straight years in this round of the playoffs, the team knew they needed to be locked in for a very physical and energetic challenge. Redemption was on their mind after getting bit by the 'dogs last year. The Chargers' game plan was focused on containing the quarterback and slowing down Lincoln Christian's top receiver. 

The Chargers were amped up and played extremely hard from the first snap. However, the Bulldogs sniffed out a trick play and picked off a reverse pass to stop The Hall's first possession. 

The defense battled to keep the game scoreless, but the Bulldogs powered into the endzone to score early on in the first quarter. 

The Chargers used this as a driving force behind their next few explosive plays. Junior quarterback Will Paque fired back with a 33 yard pass to senior receiver Davis Duncan to even the score to 7.

Two plays later, Lincoln Christian answered when speedy receiver Kolby Katsis took the jet sweep and danced down the sideline before bursting 70 yards to take the lead back for the Bulldogs. 

The Chargers kept calm, gaining yards on the ground and striking through the air to score on an impressive 30-yard touchdown grab by Orie Walker to make the score 14-14 as the first quarter ended. 

All heads were turned after the teams lit up the scoreboard in the first quarter. Heritage Hall looked to continue that into the second. The Chargers showed their determination and continued a high level of play. 

Freeman broke free on a big gain to move deep into Lincoln Christian territory. After Robert Mbroh hauled in a quick out pass and advanced into the red zone, sophomore tailback K.J. Evans dashed 13 yards to the end zone to give the Chargers their first lead. 

The Bulldogs smeed to be frazzled and the Chargers were energized. After the defense held, Freeman electrified the crowd, dodging defenders and spinning out of tackles en route to a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 27-14 lead. 

The Lincoln Christian fans seemed to be stunned and shocked at The Hall's scoring surge, but Kolby Katsis struck again. This time the speedster broke free on an 80 yard kickoff return. Neither team scored again before the close the half as the Chargers took a 27-21 lead to the locker room. 

Everyone in the stands knew the Bulldogs would come back blazing and the Hall knew they must stick to their plan and play their own game. The Chargers stayed focused on the basics and knew what they needed to do to come out with a win over the next 24 minutes. 

The Chargers came out of the half amped up! The Chargers fans were screaming and the parents were clapping.

The defense started off the third quarter looking good, but penalties kept the Bulldog drive alive. Once again, Katsis got behind the defense and hauled in a long pass to put Lincoln back on top 28-27.

The rest of the third quarter was a nailbiter. The teams battled back and forth for field position. The Chargers fought for first downs. Pushing deeper into Bulldog territory, the Chargers found themselves in a 4th and 1 situation. Senior running back Jayden Williams appeared to power forward for the first down, but the spot and measurement resulted in a turnover on downs.

The teams continued to jockey for field position until Lincoln Christian faked a handoff to Katsis and scored from 10 yards away on 4th and 2 play. With 6 and a half minutes to play, the home team had stretched the lead to 35-28.

The Hall needed a score and a two-point conversion to stay in the game. Williams continued to punish the Bulldog defense with tough running as the Chargers advanced toward the goal. 

With 1:37 left in the game, Gavin Freeman appeared to haul in an 18-yard touchdown pass, but there was a flag on the play. After the flag on Freeman for going out of bounds before coming back in to catch the pass was waved off, referees ruled that the standout receiver did not maintain possession to the ground...an incomplete pass. Facing a 4th and 10, Paque targeted Walker in the end zone, but the Bulldogs intercepted the pass.

The Chargers tried to force a miracle turnover, but the Bulldogs took a knee and the Hall dropped a tough one.

Will Paque led the passing attack, connecting on 14 of 18 passes for 162 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. Orie Walker caught 5 passes for 69 yards and a score, while Ford Stephenson hauled in 4 catches for 33 yards. Jayden Williams finished an amazing career with 16 carries for 106 yards to lead the Charger rushing attack.

A.J. Sirls, Jr., continued his defensive dominance. The senior had 11 tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss. Robert Mbroh came up big defensively with 9 tackles and 2 sacks, while Nick Keith made 8 tackles. 

Twelve seniors led The Hall for the past four seasons, ended their Charger football career with an absolute fight, and left a lasting legacy on the program. These Chargers never gave up, modeling the true definition of "Charger Pride Football". The 2021 class finished a stellar career with a 50-4 record, 2 State Championships, and 4 District Championships.

They've made a lasting impact on the football program, which will forever cherish their leadership and work ethic. Many of the seniors are looking forward to playing at the next level. A.J. Sirls, Jr., and Rob Mbroh will further their football career at the Air Force Academy. Melvin Swindle will continue his football story at South Dakota. Others hold multiple offers, but are still uncommitted. For the rest of the 2021 leaders, starting next Fall on a new college campus will give them opportunities to put life lessons learned during their time in the Charger Football program into action.

A personal note from the article's author, who graduates after the 2020-2021 school year, to her readers:

I have loved getting to write the recap football articles the past 2 years for the Charger fans. Thanks to Mr. Steelman for letting me have the opportunity and letting me fulfill my vision for highlighting our Charger athletes. I have loved every game and look forward to reading the articles written next year by whoever is next in line!!! I wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you that reads my articles each week. I have loved it and will forever be grateful!! Go Chargers!!! 

-Quincy LeNorman '21

Edited by Luke Steelman '93
Photos by Dawn Freeman