YOUR GUIDE TO THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOTE: All games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. All tickets ($20) are sold online only and are available at uiltexas.org. No tickets will be sold at AT&T Stadium. One ticket allows admission to all three games on Wednesday, and the same applies to the three games on Thursday, but separate tickets are required for the two scheduled games on Friday. The stadium will be cleared between Friday's games. Face coverings are required in all areas during the state championship games, and field access is prohibited.
UPDATE: Wednesday's 1A (Six-Man) Division 2 state championship game between Balmorhea and Richland Springs has been postponed over COVID-related concerns. Once the appropriate protocols are cleared, the two schools will work with the UIL to determine a new date and location for the 1AD2 championship game.
Class 4A Division 1
ARGYLE EAGLES (15-0) vs. LINDALE EAGLES (13-2)
7 p.m. Friday
LAST RECENT MEETING: None
ARGYLE:
7-4A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 15 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 32 miles (Denton County)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 721 (48.1, 3rd in 4AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 227 (15.1, 9th in 4AD1)
HEAD COACH TODD RODGERS (209-36)
SIXTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (won 2013)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Argyle 79, North Dallas 0
Argyle 56, Stephenville 27
Argyle 28, Waco La Vega 14
Argyle 41, Paris 13
Argyle 37, Canyon 20
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 38-20
NOTES: Argyle defeated Waco La Vega twice this season, and also beat 2019 4AD2 state champion Texarkana Pleasant Grove. The Argyle offense is loaded with Senior leaders, including QB CJ Rogers (four touchdown passes last week), RB Tito Byce, WRs Cole Kirkpatrick and Cash Walker and TE Jasper Lott, who is committed to TCU. Argyle is making its first appearance in a state title game since 2015.
LINDALE:
9-4A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 11 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 109 miles (Smith County)
LOSSES: Midlothian Heritage 28, Lindale 21 (9/4), Gilmer 56, Lindale 49 (9/18)
SCORING OFFENSE: 639 (42.6, 6th in 4AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 395 (26.3, 45th in 4AD1)
HEAD COACH CHRIS COCHRAN (31-17)
FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Lindale 29, Vidor 13
Lindale 70, Needville 56
Lindale 36, Tyler Chapel Hill 7
Lindale 56, Kilgore 42
Lindale 31, Austin LBJ 28
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 38-22
NOTES: Lindale advanced to its first state title game on K Landon Love's 18-yard field goal with no time left last week. Lindale overcame a 28-7 halftime deficit in the semifinal, holding LBJ scoreless in the second half. RB Jordan Jenkins has had an incredible postseason. After scoring nine touchdowns in the area round win over Needville, Jenkins ran for 278 yards and two touchdowns last week, accounting for most of Lindale's 298 yards of total offense. Jenkins is over 55 total TDs this season. Lindale may not always match up in the various stat categories, but their special teams, kicking game and heart have carried them to the lip of their first state championship.
Class 4A Division 2
CARTHAGE BULLDOGS (13-0) vs. GILMER BUCKEYES (14-1) - REGULAR SEASON REMATCH
noon Friday
LAST MEETING: Carthage 42, Gilmer 14 (9/25/20)
CARTHAGE:
10-4A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 29 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 177 miles (Panola County)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 526 (40.5, 9th in 4AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 95 (7.3, 1st in 4AD2 - three shutouts)
HEAD COACH SCOTT SURRATT (177-28)
NINTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (seven state titles, including 2016, 2017 and 2019)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Carthage def, Gatesville (forfeit)
Carthage 49, Silsbee 0
Carthage 35, Salado 7
Carthage 52, China Spring 14
Carthage 38, Wimberley 7
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 44-19
NOTES: Carthage HC Scott Surratt is 7-0 in state championship games. Since losing back-to-back games to Henderson and Kilgore in Sept.-Oct. 2016, Carthage is 69-1. The only loss in that stretch came in a 44-41 defeat to Liberty Hill in the 2018 state semifinals. Carthage has won state championships in 3AD1, 3AD2 and 4AD1, and moved back to 4AD2 this year. RB Mason Courtney ran for 127 yards and a touchdown last week, and also caught a touchdown pass. Carthage QB Kai Horton threw four touchdown passes last week. The Carthage defense held Wimberley to 100 yards total offense, including minus-14 rushing yards and five first downs. No team has scored more than 18 points on Carthage this season.
GILMER:
8-4A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 10 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 144 miles (Upshur County)
LOSSES: Carthage 42, Gilmer 14 (9/25)
SCORING OFFENSE: 640 (42.7, 6th in 4AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 329 (21.9, 30th in 4AD2)
HEAD COACH ALAN METZEL (14-1)
SEVENTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (won in 2004, 2009 and 2014)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Gilmer 54, Canton 21
Gilmer 42, Godley 20
Gilmer 31, Sunnyvale 14
Gilmer 38, Caddo Mills 14
Gilmer 35, Graham 21
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 39-20
NOTES: Gilmer defeated 4AD1 state finalist Lindale, 56-49, on 9/18. Buckeyes were held to 21 rushing yards in first meeting with Carthage. QB Brandon Tennison threw for 237 yards in last week's semifinal win over Graham.
Class 3A Division 1
TUSCOLA JIM NED INDIANS (13-1) vs. HALLETTSVILLE BRAHMAS (13-2) - REGULAR SEASON REMATCH
7 p.m. Thursday
LAST MEETING: Tuscola Jim Ned 24, Hallettsville 21 (10/2/20)
TUSCOLA JIM NED:
3-3A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 13 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 182 miles (Taylor County)
LOSSES: Ballinger 20, Jim Ned 14 (8/28)
SCORING OFFENSE: 471 (33.6, 30th in 3AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 209 (14.9, 6th in 3AD1)
HEAD COACH MATT FANNING (29-8 at Jim Ned, 52-48 overall)
SECOND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (lost 2003)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Tuscola Jim Ned 21, Paradise 18
Tuscola Jim Ned 31, Dalhart 14
Tuscola Jim Ned 19, Brock 16
Tuscola Jim Ned 45, Pilot Point 28
Tuscola Jim Ned 24, Mount Vernon 17
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 49-16
NOTES: Jim Ned is all about controlling the clock and grinding it out on offense. The strategy worked to perfection last week in the state semifinal against Mount Vernon and Coach Art Briles' spread offense. Jr. RB Xavier Wishert ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns last week. Sr. DB Caden Martin sealed the semifinal win with an interception with :01 left. Martin also forced a key fumble.
HALLETTSVILLE:
12-3A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 10 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 258 miles (Lavaca County)
LOSSES: Shiner 44, Hallettsville 34 (8/28), Tuscola Jim Ned 24, Hallettsville 21 (10/2)
SCORING OFFENSE: 630 (42.0, 10th in 3AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 285 (19.0, 13th in 3AD1)
HEAD COACH TOMMY PSENCIK (102-37 at Hallettsville, 108-42 overall)
FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Hallettsville 61, Little River Academy 26
Hallettsville 27, Diboll 0
Hallettsville 61, Lorena 48
Hallettsville 23, Columbus 21
Hallettsville 53, Llano 28
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 46-16
NOTES: After advancing to their first state semifinal since 1976, the Brahmas finally broke through in reaching a state championship game for the first time in school history. Hallettsville RB Jonathan Brooks has been arguably the best player in the state in the 2020 playoffs. Brooks has rushed for more than 1,450 yards in five playoff games. He also had two interceptions, including a pick-six, against Llano. And, Brooks is the Brahmas punter, regularly averaging more than 40 yards per kick. In the semifinal victory, Brooks ran for 304 yards and scored seven touchdowns. He says he is "100%" committed to the University of Texas.
Class 3A Division 2
CANADIAN WILDCATS (14-1) vs. FRANKLIN LIONS (12-2)
3 p.m. Thursday
LAST RECENT MEETING: None
CANADIAN:
3-3A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 13 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 342 miles (Hemphill County)
LOSSES: Iowa Park 28, Canadian 21 (9/4)
SCORING OFFENSE: 814 (54.3, 1st in 3AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 173 (11.5, 7th in 3AD2)
HEAD COACH CHRIS KOETTING (141-18)
SEVENTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (won in 2007, 2008, 2014 and 2015)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Canadian 62, Coahoma 14
Canadian 56, Bangs 13
Canadian 56, Idalou 6
Canadian 45, Childress 14
Canadian 33, Gunter 6
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 48-12
NOTES: This is Canadian's seventh title game appearance in the last 14 seasons. Canadian's "NASCAR Offense" is led by Sr. QB Josh Culwell and Sr. RB Hayze Hufstedler, who ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the semifinal win over Gunter. Canadian has scored 106 points more than any other 3A team in the state this season. The Wildcats rank seventh overall in all classes in points per game this year.
FRANKLIN:
13-3A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 12 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 164 miles (Robertson County)
LOSSES: Lorena 21, Franklin 20 (8/28), Cameron Yoe 37, Franklin 8 (9/11)
SCORING OFFENSE: 630 (45.0, 5th in 3AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 291 (20.8, 30th in 3AD2)
HEAD COACH MARK FANNIN (12-2)
SECOND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (lost in 2015)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Franklin 58, Van Vleck 19
Franklin 49, Natalia 20
Franklin 40, Lexington 7
Franklin 56, Buffalo 33
Franklin 14, Waskom 13
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 42-18
NOTES: With last week's semifinal win, Franklin avenged a loss to Waskom in the 2015 state title game. Hayden Helton, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass from QB Marcus Wade last week, was a water boy for the 2015 Franklin state finalists. Sr. RB/FS Nick Hrncir was injured in last week's game, and his status is unknown for this week. Franklin's motto this season has been "164," for the number of miles to make it to Arlington and play in a state championship game.
Class 2A Division 1
SHINER COMANCHES (13-0) vs. POST ANTELOPES (15-0)
11 a.m. Thursday
LAST RECENT MEETING: None
SHINER:
13-2A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 13 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 264 miles (Lavaca County)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 651 (50.1, 4th in 2AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 146 (11.2, 9th in 2AD1 - three shutouts)
HEAD COACH DANIEL BOEDEKER (25-1)
FIFTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (won 1986 & 2004)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Shiner 72, Harper 12
Shiner 72, Freer 6
Shiner 56, Mason 0
Shiner 24, Refugio 13
Shiner 49, Timpson 7
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 38-20
NOTES: Shiner is led by brothers Doug Brooks (Sr., 6-0, 275) and Dalton Brooks (Soph., 6-2, 175). The Brooks brothers start on both sides of the ball, and are often featured together in the Comanches' backfield, with Doug lining up at fullback and Dalton at halfback in Shiner's veer offense.
POST:
2-2A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 15 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 288 miles (Garza County)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 673 (44.9, 5th in 2AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 67 (4.5, 1st in 2AD1 - five shutouts)
HEAD COACH MICHAEL PITTMAN (72-20 at Post, 117-53 overall)
SECOND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (lost to Refugio in 2019)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Post def. Stinnett West Texas (forfeit)
Post 61, Anson 6
Post 68, Panhandle 0
Post 33, Cisco 0
Post 28, Crawford 14
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 45-19
NOTES: Post has held 11 of 13 opponents to seven points or less this season (two forfeits). QB Slayden Pittman is dual-threat in Post backfield, while RB Ashton Jefferson has explosive big-play ability, as evidenced by his 72-yard touchdown run last week.
Class 2A Division 2
WINDTHORST TROJANS (14-1) vs. MART PANTHERS (14-0)
7 p.m. Wednesday
LAST MEETING: Mart 58, Windthorst 6 (11/24/17)
WINDTHORST:
7-2A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 9 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 115 miles (Archer/Clay Counties)
LOSSES: Hamlin 14, Windthorst 0 (10/2)
SCORING OFFENSE: 533 (35.5, 11th in 2AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 160 (10.7, 4th in 2AD2)
HEAD COACH CHRIS TACKETT (69-42)
SIXTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (first since 2010, won titles in 1996 & 2003)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Windthorst 56, Hico 14
Windthorst 42, Archer City 7
Windthorst 18, Albany 13
Windthorst 30, Muenster 20
Windthorst 7, Wellington 0
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 42-20
NOTES: Windthorst eliminated Wellington last week despite gaining only 92 yards of total offense. RB Ethan Belcher is approaching 2,000 yards rushing this season. Windthorst made their first state championship appearance in Class B in 1972.
MART:
10-2A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 25 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 117 miles (Limestone/McLennan Counties)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 641 (45.8, 2nd in 2AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 141 (10.1, 2nd in 2AD2)
HEAD COACH KEVIN HOFFMAN (77-9)
13TH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (eight state titles, including three straight from 2017-19)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Mart def. Cumby (forfeit)
Mart 48, Lovelady 12
Mart 66, West Sabine 18
Mart 54, Tenaha 23
Mart 48, Falls City 21
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 37-22
NOTES: Mart QB Roddrell Freeman has started every game at various positions in his four-year varsity career. Freeman (6-1, 210) accounted for six touchdowns in last week's semifinal victory. The Panthers are 57-5 during his high school tenure. Freeman, playing running back, was the Offensive MVP of the 2019 state title game.
Class 1A (SIX-MAN) Division 1
STERLING CITY EAGLES (14-0) vs. MAY TIGERS (13-1) - REGULAR SEASON REMATCH
2 p.m. Wednesday
LAST MEETING: Sterling City 44, May 40 (9/4/20)
STERLING CITY:
8-1A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 14 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 279 miles (Sterling County)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 853 (60.9, 3rd in 1AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 396 (28.3, 17th in 1AD1)
HEAD COACH TREY CISCO (45-13)
SECOND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (lost in 2010)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Sterling City 61, Hermleigh 12
Sterling City 100, Rankin 88
Sterling City 64, Westbrook 32
Sterling City 48, Borden County 40 (OT)
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 41-9
NOTES: Sterling City - ranked #1 in 1AD1 - trailed #2 Borden County 32-16 in the fourth quarter of their state semifinal game before coming back to win in overtime. Sterling City, led by QB Cross Knittel, has shattered the school record for wins in a season. The previous mark was ten in 2010, when they made their only other state title game appearance.
MAY:
13-1A-1 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 12 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 147 miles (Brown County)
LOSSES: Sterling City 44, May 40 (9/4)
SCORING OFFENSE: 848 (60.6, 4th in 1AD1)
SCORING DEFENSE: 304 (21.7, 5th in 1AD1)
HEAD COACH CRAIG STEELE (144-55)
FIFTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (won in 1977)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
May 46, Irion County 0
May 62, Jonesboro 16
May 72, Leakey 38
May 92, Blum 86 (OT)
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 39-10
NOTES: Like Sterling City, May needed overtime to advance in their state semifinal game with Blum. Jr. RB Kaden Halk ran for 302 yards and five touchdowns against Blum. RBs Isidro Salinas and Rory Bustamante are nursing ankle injuries heading into the final. The May defense is led by Sr. LB Hayden King, who has 11-man football experience at Bangs.
Class 1A (SIX-MAN) Division 2
BALMORHEA BEARS (11-1) vs. RICHLAND SPRINGS COYOTES (12-0)
11 a.m. Wednesday
LAST MEETING: Richland Springs 96, Balmorhea 50 (12/14/16)
BALMORHEA:
5-1A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 11 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 453 miles (Reeves County)
LOSSES: Rankin 38, Balmorhea 36 (8/28)
SCORING OFFENSE: 627 (52.3, 6th in 1AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 216 (18.0, 4th in 1AD2)
HEAD COACH VANCE JONES (94-20 at Balmorhea, 274-59 overall)
THIRD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (lost 2016 & 2017)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Balmorhea 68, Loraine 0
Balmorhea 90, Jayton 46
Balmorhea 36, Motley County 30
Balmorhea 44, Groom 38
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 38-12
NOTES: HC Vance Jones won state titles with Marathon in 1976 and with Garden City in 2009 and 2010. Balmorhea was the #1-ranked team in the state in 1AD2 all season. The Bears are loaded with veteran leadership, as all six defensive starters returned from last year.
RICHLAND SPRINGS:
16-1A-2 DISTRICT CHAMPION
WON 12 STRAIGHT
DISTANCE TO AT&T STADIUM: 176 miles (San Saba County)
LOSSES: None
SCORING OFFENSE: 651 (54.3, 4th in 1AD2)
SCORING DEFENSE: 286 (23.8, 12th in 1AD2)
HEAD COACH JERRY BURKHART (220-10 at Richland Springs, 225-22 overall)
11TH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE (all since 2001, nine state titles since 2004, defending 1AD2 champion)
PLAYOFF ROAD:
Richland Springs 56, Blanket 30
Richland Springs 70, Oglesby 38
Richland Springs 48, Calvert 34
Richland Springs 59, Strawn 56
RECORD OF PLAYOFF OPPONENTS: 37-12
NOTES: Richland Springs can become the first school to win ten state football titles in UIL competition. The Coyotes are 9-0 in state championship games under HC Jerry Burkhart. Richland Springs has not lost since the 2018 state quarterfinals. QB Landon Burkhart has accounted for 47 total touchdowns this season.
