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STATE TITLE PREVIEW: Gunter looks to cap perfect season with a championship victory over Poth
It's finally here! Texas high school football's state championship games are upon us. With six different Dallas-Fort Worth area teams vying for a crown, there are plenty of bragging rights on the line. One of the DFW area teams is none-other than the Gunter Tigers who are on the hunt for a victory over Poth to top their perfect season with a crown. VYPE DFW dives into the teams for a preview ahead of the state title game!
Gunter Tigers (14-0)
Led by senior running back and safety Ethan Sloan, junior quarterback Walker Overman, junior wide receiver Cannon Lemberg, and more, the Gunter Tigers enter the state championship game with an undefeated record. The team posted an incredible 21-20 victory over Canadian in the state semifinal game last week with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Overman to Ivy Hellman.
Outscoring their opponents by nearly 500 points this season, the Tigers have shut down plenty of opponents this season including playoff opponents Trinity Leadership, Jacksboro, Palmer, Holliday, and Canadian. Last week's game against Canadian was the first time the team allowed more than one touchdown in seven weeks.
Poth Pirates (14-1)
The Pirates are entering their first appearance in the state title game since 1968 with only one loss to their name. Led by the likes of senior running back Zane Raabe, senior running back Matthew Bunn, junior wide receiver Gabriel Silansky, and more, the Pirates have outscored their opponents this season by over 500 points. On a 12 game win-streak, Poth has ended the seasons of George West, Boling, Taft, El Maton Tidehaven, and most recently Big Sandy Harmony.
Holding 12 opponents to two touchdowns or less, Poth's defense has been incredible. Of the 12 held to two scores or less, seven weren't able to score against the tough defense at all. The team looks to finish their season with the program's first state title.
What To Expect:
Poth's defense is an incredible force that will give Gunter a run for their money on Thursday. With the ability to put a stop to most opponents' offenses this season, Gunter is going to have to really work during the state title game. Gunter has an offense that knows how to set the tone and a defense that knows how to make the biggest stops when they need it the most. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as both teams go head-to-head in a matchup you're not going to want to miss.
Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Six DFW-area programs will fight for a State Title
Class 3A
Division 2: Gunter Tigers
Under the guide of head coach Jake Fieszel, the Tigers are making their fifth state championship appearance while looking for their third state title. The team boasts a 15-0 undefeated record this season and will be facing off against a Poth squad who has lost only one game this season. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th.
Division 1: Brock Eagles
Led by head coach Billy Mathis, the Eagles enter the state championship game with an 11-4 record this season. This season will mark their fourth appearance in the state title game since 2015. The team looks to secure their second state title in five seasons. Brock will face-off against an undefeated Franklin team (15-0) on Thursday, December 15th.
Class 5A
Division 2: South Oak Cliff Bears
Under head coach Clifton Todd, the Bears are looking to be the first Dallas ISD football program to get back-to-back state titles. Defending last year's title, the team heads into the championship game with a 12-3 record this season. The Bears will look to defeat Port Neches-Grove (13-2) on Friday, December 16th.
Division 1: Aledo Bearcats
Self-proclaimed "Title Town" Aledo is back in the state title game under the direction of head coach Tim Buchanan. This season's appearance in the state title game marks the thirteenth time Aledo has been to state where they will look to bring home their eleventh state title. With a 13-2 record this season, Aledo will face a 13-2 College Station squad on Saturday, December 17th.
Class 6A
Division 2: DeSoto Eagles
Under head coach Claude Mathis, the DeSoto Eagles are 13-2 entering the state title game. The team is looking for their second state championship after winning their first in 2016. The Eagles take on a 14-1 Austin Vandegrift on Saturday, December 17th.
Division 1: Duncanville Panthers
For the fourth time in five years, the Panthers are headed into the state title game against the same team: Galena Park North Shore. Under direction of head coach Reginald Samples, the Panthers enter the state championships with an undefeated 14-0 record. Looking for their first state title since 1998, the Panthers football program will face-off against North Shore on Saturday, December 17th.