It was a show of strength on the field at AT&T Stadium on Friday afternoon as the Anna Coyotes put on a clinic against the Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs. Routing the Bulldogs in a 26-0 shut-out victory, the Coyotes hoisted the trophy and became the UIL Class 4A Division 1 State Champions!
"It hasn't sunk in yet," said head coach Seth Parr during the press conference following the game. "I'm sure on Christmas Day it will be a real good feeling."
Offensive MVP, Edward Chumley alongside Jabari Finnie, Sean Steens, Ziondre Williams, and others helped lead the Anna offense to an explosive victory. Recording 71 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 16 carries as well as one receiving touchdown and 31 receiving yards on three catches, Chumley earned his MVP title by scoring all of the touchdowns for the Coyotes on the day. The other points came from an early field goal and a high snap for Tyler Chapel Hill that went out of the endzone for a safety.
Defensive MVP CJ Miller led the defense with 15 tackles. They continued to prevent Chapel Hill's offense from making any headway until late in the game when the Bulldogs had the ball near the endzone after an incredible drive. In the direst moment, wanting to keep Chapel Hill scoreless, the Coyotes' defense put up a wall and took over on downs. The rest... well, the rest is history.
"We get there angry, we play hard, and this is just an example of their competitive drive," Parr said about his team. "The day I laid eyes on [the team] is the moment I knew we had the win," Parr went on to say as he discussed his move to Anna. "We're excited to be in a community that loves winning."
"It's crazy," senior wide receiver Sean Steens said. "It's unbelievable." A man of few words, but described as the "life of the team", it was clear that Steens came into the championship game ready to be a leader and help the Coyotes secure their victory at AT&T Stadium.
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"The new coaching staff brought their A-game when they came into town," said senior Jamison Adams. "They changed the whole culture. We went from a losing team to winning a state championship. Four years ago, I don't think we would have ever envisioned this. I think everyone bought in."
Parr challenged the rest of the country to pay attention to these young, high school athletes making big plays throughout the weekend. "I think it's up to the college coaches to give these guys opportunities in order to be able to go to the next level. I challenge all the coaches in the state and coaches around the United States to not just look at the portal. If you're not making it about the younger guys, you're not going to have a game in the future."
Crediting his offense with an exceptional outing, Parr finished the press conference by adding: “Everyone always says air raid offenses can’t win championships because they have no defense. I’d like to say we just proved that theory wrong.”
"Proved them wrong "might be an understatement as Anna looks to bring back a strong team next season. For now, the team intends to celebrate with a late lunch at Golden Corral.