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CHAMPIONS: Anna shuts out Tyler Chapel Hill to secure first program State Title
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.
"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.
4A D1 STATE SEMIFINALS: Anna Coyotes vs. Decatur Eagles
Only one opponent stands in the way of punching tickets to the UIL Football State Championships and there are still plenty of Dallas-Fort Worth area teams vying for their spot at the biggest stage in high school football! For Class 4A Division 1, the Anna Coyotes are gearing up for a battle against the Decatur Eagles. VYPE DFW takes a look at both teams and what fans can expect as Friday approaches!
Anna Coyotes (13-1, 5-0)
The Anna Coyotes have been a dark horse sneaking up on their opponents over the last couple of seasons. Last year, the team was undefeated on the season after having defeated the likes of Aubrey, Kaufman, Paris, Stephenville, Celina, and more before eventually falling in the quarterfinal round of playoffs. This season, in a similar situation, the team has lost only one game-- a 42-40 non-district battle against Celina that ended in overtime. Finishing first in their district standings, the team posted victories over Mabank, Community, Sulphur Springs, Paris, and more before entering the playoffs.
Led by sophomore quarterback Ziondre Williams (who has 2,496 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 117 carries for 746 rushing yards, and 7 rushing touchdowns to his name this season), junior wide receiver Ronald Bell Jr (who averages 75 rushing yards per game with 7 touchdowns this season), junior running back Edward Chumley (who averages nearly 66 rushing yards per game with 15 touchdowns this season), senior Jacob Emmers (who has 12 scores on the season for the Coyotes), and others, the Coyotes offense waltzed into the playoffs ready to score every game; outscoring their playoff opponents by a combined 145-80. The defense, led by the likes of senior linebackers CJ Miller and Abram Greer (who have both recorded seven sacks this season), senior safety Jamison Adams (who has recorded six interceptions this season), senior linebacker Grayson Stewart, and more have also stepped up all season long to keep their opponents at bay.
So far in the playoffs, Anna has defeated Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins, China Spring, Panther Creek, and most recently Stephenville. The team will look to continue their dominant playoff run in the program's first-ever state semifinal game on Friday night.
Decatur Eagles (10-4, 4-0)
The Eagles are returning to the state semifinals with a score to settle. After being defeated at this stage just last season by China Spring, Decatur is looking to punch their ticket to the state title game. Off on a tough foot to begin their season, the team opened up their schedule with three consecutive losses before regrouping and finding their footing again. Defeating Pampa, and Wichita Falls Hirschi in non-district play, the team recorded four non-district losses before gearing up for their district opponents.
Going undefeated through district play, fans got to experience the Decatur squad they've become accustomed to watching. Led by senior quarterback Landon Felts, senior wide receiver Antwan Gilbreath Jr, senior running back Nate Palmer (who has scored 29 touchdowns this season while averaging around 144 rushing yards per game), senior wide receiver Luke White, and more, this team showcased perseverance and talent on the field as they defeated the likes of Burkburnett (51-21), Wichita Falls (58-0), Mineral Wells (42-7), and others en route to the playoffs.
Once in the playoffs, Decatur has taken it week-by-week. Taking down strong opponents like Dumas (45-14), Andrews (56-14), Estacado (52-21), and-- last week-- Brownwood (38-35), Decatur has proven that they still have what it takes to put forth effort through every play. Looking to punch their ticket to the state finals, Decatur is geared up for Anna.
What To Expect
Having already seen each other on the field this season in a season-opening 37-30 victory for Anna, these teams are going to expect nothing less than each others' best on Friday night. Fans of both of these teams can expect to see an intense showdown between these squads on Friday night. Anna, a team that is phenomenal at passing the ball and making their targets, can be expected to do whatever it takes to set the tone early against Decatur. Decatur, focused and poised with experience at this level of the playoffs, will look to shut down Anna's attempts at getting ahead.
This game has the potential to keep fans at the edge of their seat, so be sure you catch it! Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. in Denton, Texas at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.