Kickoff Classic: Lincoln defense, run game help Trojans win; scores from around Big Bend

From blowout victories to nail-biting finishes, 11 teams took the field for a packed slate of Kickoff Classic games.

With the regular season starting next week, this was the final chance for Big Bend teams to iron out game plans before week 1.

With a jam-packed schedule of games, here are how Big Bend teams fared during the Kickoff Classic week.

Lincoln's defense dominates, shutout Mosley 35-0

There was a buzz about Lincoln this offseason, with the Trojans feeling like they had a squad capable of making some noise this season, and in the Kickoff Classic game against Mosley, it did just that.

The Trojans blanked the Dolphins, putting up 35 points on the back of an impressive defensive display that limited Mosley to playing the game almost strictly in its own half of the field.

Lincoln head coach Jimmie Tyson said his defense knows the standard that he wants them to play at, and they spent all offseason working to get there.

"It's all about the day-to-day process, not being content because we're doing some good stuff," Tyson said. "Keep doing it every day, getting better, chopping wood, because we got a lot of guys that play on defense, we rotate them throughout so they stay fresh, and they know the standard that they push each other too."

Senior linebacker and Rutgers commit, Samarian Robinson picked up a handful of tackles and laid out a couple of big hits for the Trojans. He said the defense came together tonight and it opened up the field for him and the rest of the team to make big plays.

"I saw the defense working well, I mean we just played as a team," Robinson said. "We did what we had to do in practice and listen to coach Tyson, and we just hit our gaps and fit our gaps and made plays."

Both the special teams and defense stepped up for Lincoln, with three forced turnovers, a blocked punt by junior RJ Perryman, and two fumble recoveries, the Trojans were flying around the field.

Trojans showcase strong run game

The defense wasn't the only part of the team making plays, the Trojans run game was having its way with the Mosely defense, with senior runningbacks Jaden Walden and Jeshawn Washington, sophomore Christian Lawrence and junior quarterback Christian Sims all making big plays on the ground.

Sims, who was making his first start for Lincoln, said that the running backs took a lot of pressure off of him, and his own ability to run the football helped fill him with confidence.

"It's really important, it takes a lot of pressure off me," Sims said. "It just makes the game go by quicker because they're all great running backs."

Both sides of the football influenced the game for Lincoln tonight, and Robinson felt like the reps the offense and defense get against each other in practice helped them showcase their abilities tonight.

"I think the offense did good night, they play against the top defense around in practice and they compete with us every day," Robinson said about the offensive performance. "You come out here and showcase your talents against another team you go make those types of plays, they did great."

"Overall I think we did good as a team and as coaches, and we're trying to get better."

Lincoln travels to play Pace in its week one opener.

Scores and Stats from the Big Bend

Stats and scores will be updated when available

Hawthorne 20-7 North Florida Christian

The Eagles played arguably the toughest opponent in Kickoff Classic play, welcoming in state champions Hawthrone. An early 7-6 lead for NFC was erased by Hawthorne who walked away with the win.

NFC travel to Leon for its opening game of the season.

Raines 13-6 Godby

The Cougars fall to Raines in their Kickoff Classic matchup. A tight contest throughout, Godby and Raines were tied at six entering halftime, but the Vikings pulled away in the second half.

Godby hosts Fort Walton Beach for its season opener.

Rickards 14-0 Leon

The game between Rickards and Leon was called at halftime following a fray in the parking lot, leading to the cancellation of the game. Rickards quarterback Ben James completed four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns during the half of play.

Rickards travel to Crestview next week for the first game of the season, Leon hosts NFC to open up the regular season.

Maclay vs Chipley

No score reported at time of publishing

Maclay hosts Deerfield-Windsor for its opening game of the season.

South Walton 37-7 St. John Paul II

The Tremaine Hughes Sr era gets off to a bumpy start at JPII, as the Panthers take a big loss to South Walton. With a young and talented squad, the Panthers should be all right come week one.

JPII travel to Brandeton to face IMG Academy White team to start its campaign.

Aucilla Christian 20-7 Fullington Academy

The Warriors from Monticello keep on rolling, picking up a big win in Kickoff Classic play. With one of the program's largest squads in recent history, there is a lot of momentum for Aucilla Christian. Tucker Wiles record seven tackles and broke up two passes, and Josh Agner rushed for 48 yards and a Touchdown to power the Warriors to the win.

Aucilla Christian hosts Halifax Academy next week to open its season.

University Christian 36-26 Gadsden County

The Jaguars get started with life under Russell Ellington with a loss to University Christian. Gadsden County travels to Lowndes next week to open its season, and Ellington has a week to prepare the squad for his first win with the Jaguars.

Gadsden County travel to Lowndes for its opening game of the season.

Munroe 28-3 Destin

Michael Gaines first game as Munroe head coach starts with a big win for the Bobcats. Munroe led from start to finish en route to the win.

The Bobcats travel to Terrell County to open its regular season next week.

Williston 50-6 Taylor County

It wasn't the night that Taylor County would have wanted, but with the regular season starting next week, the Bulldogs have a chance to clean things up.

Taylor County hosts Fort White in week one.

Wakulla 35-28 Madison County

A thrilling game between two Big Bend powerhouses, Wakulla comes from behind to beat the Cowboys. Madison County controlled the first half of play, but a second-half surge from the War Eagles saw them pick up a big win at home.

Wakulla travels to Chiles to open its regular season, and Madison County hosts Carrollwood Day in week one.

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee High School football scores from Kickoff Classic week