ARLINGTON - After a slow start to the game, Mart used Roddrell Freeman's tough running style to wear down an upstart Hamlin to capture its 8th state championship and third straight.
Hamlin started off strong in the first quarter, getting two long scoring drives and a block extra point to take a 14-6 lead. Austin Lozano and Jevon Williams had set the tone for Hamlin using a thunder-and-lighting duo to put Mart back on its heels.
In the second quarter, Mart's defense began to settle in and the offense turned to Freeman, who picked up his second touchdown of the game. A failed 2-point conversion made it 14-12. Late in the second quarter, he would add to his total and give Mart the lead.
Mart's defense start to assert itself in the third quarter as Klyderion punctuated that fact with a 33-yard interception return for a score to push Mart's lead to two scores.
On the day, Mart forced four takeaways, including a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter with Hamlin facing first and goal. Hamlin scored on its next possession and failed on the 2-point conversion, but could not get the onside kick recovery.
Freeman, who garnered the game's offensive MVP award, rushed for 173 and three touchdowns on 21 carries.
