Lincoln to Face Wells for PIL Football Title

Lincoln High School competes for the league championship against Wells on October 30, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football

Lincoln to Face Wells for PIL Football Title

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Lincoln High School enters the Portland Interscholastic League championship game on October 30, 2026, with a 7-1 overall record. The team seeks its first outright league title since 2017 after an undefeated run in conference play this season.

Why it matters

The matchup represents a significant test for Lincoln, which aims to overcome a previous loss to Wells in 2024. Success in the championship would validate the team's transition to a single wing offensive scheme designed to maximize personnel advantages.

Running back Antayus Wilkins has set a school record with 1,270 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 135 carries. Lincoln holds an overall record of 7-1, an improvement over their 7-3 finish in 2025 and 6-4 record in 2024.

The players

Antayus Wilkins

He is a record-setting running back for Lincoln High School who has received a scholarship offer from Oregon State.

Cody Schnaufer

He serves as the head coach of the Lincoln High School football team and implemented the current single wing offensive system.

Lincoln High School

This educational institution located in Portland maintains a competitive football program that holds an undefeated record in PIL league play.

Wells High School

This Portland-based school is the opponent for the upcoming PIL championship game and previously defeated Lincoln in 2024.

The details

Lincoln utilizes a single wing offensive formation featuring unbalanced lines and direct snaps to running backs. The team focuses on a physical identity and misdirection to complement its defensive unit and overcome previous setbacks like their narrow 43-42 loss to Lakeridge in Week 2.

Timeline

  1. Lincoln won an outright PIL championship in 2017.

  2. Lincoln won a shared PIL championship in 2018.

  3. Wells defeated Lincoln 46-16 in 2024.

  4. Lincoln lost to Lakeridge during Week 2, 2026.

  5. Lincoln plays Wells for the PIL championship on October 30, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The upcoming championship game serves as a critical milestone for Lincoln's program, which has steadily improved its record under Cody Schnaufer. A victory would solidify the team's standing within the PIL and mark a return to the top of the league hierarchy.

The game outcome will determine the outright champion for the Portland Interscholastic League for the 2026 season. Fans can track the individual impact of Antayus Wilkins, who enters the contest coming off a 258-yard rushing performance against Lakeridge.

The takeaway

This championship appearance highlights the success of Lincoln's tactical shift to a single wing offense this season. Fans and players can look forward to a high-stakes finale that tests the team's physical identity against a familiar league rival.

Further reading

For more updates on high school athletics, visit the Football section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.

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Should local high school sports teams prioritize team-led culture over winning championships?