It had been nine years since the Lincoln Trojans could call themselves state champions, and as they head back to Tallahassee from Orlando with the big trophy, its a feel they won't forget.

"It's the best feeling in the world. I'm a state champion. I love it." says Kicker Carlos Gaston.

"I'm just too excited!" says Quarterback Ronald Butler

"I feel good. State champs baby!" says Runningback Javorius Allen.

Head Coach Yusuf Shakir adds, "You know this state championship is for all the kids that ever went to Lincoln, all the players, the community, all the great support we have in Tallahassee. All the coaches that have ever coached at Lincoln. You know this is a combination. These things just don't happen, its a combination, a building block, so all of this is for all those guys, every teacher, every student that's walked the halls of Lincoln High School."

"We just like to work hard and we play for each other. Everyone doubted us in the beginning and we just came back and do what we had to do. Just believe." adds Butler.

All season long Coach Shakir preached the importance of finishing, and as Carlos Gaston kicked the game winner field goal it seemed his philosophy had paid off.