GAMES
RANKINGS
STATE PREVIEW: 2A DII Windthorst vs. Mart
It's hard to have State Championship week and not have Mart playing in a game. It's become an annual tradition as it marks the 13th time in program history - and fourth straight - that Mart (14-0, Region III champion) is down to the last two teams standing. It's also vying for its ninth state title as well. Windthorst (14-1, Region II champion) is in the finals for the first time in 10 years but makings its sixth overall appearance, looking for the third championship in program history.
After having a bye due to forfeit in first round, Mart has done nothing but dominate its opponents in the playoffs. Mart has outscored its opponents by an average of 54.0 to 18.5 with the closest game being a 21-point win over Tenaha.
Windthorst won in a defensive struggle in the last round and needed a trick play to get past Wellington. Windthorst opened the playoffs in dominating fashion but have won by a total of 22 points in its last three games.
HOW WINDTHORST GOT HERE
- BI-DISTRICT: Beat Hico 56-14
- AREA: Beat Archer City 42-7
- REGIONALS: Beat Albany 18-13
- QUARTERFINALS: Beat Muenster 30-20
- SEMIFINALS: Beat Wellington 7-0
HOW MART GOT HERE
- BI-DISTRICT: Beat Cumby 1-0 (forfeit)
- AREA: Lovelady 48-12
- REGIONALS: Beat West Sabine 66-18
- QUARTERFINALS: Beat Tenaha 54-23
- SEMIFINALS: Beat Falls City 48-21
LINE: Mart favored by 14
INSTANT REACTION: Mart Overpowers Hamlin for 3rd Straight Title
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.