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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.
TICKET PUNCHED: Anna Coyotes set for program's first state title appearance
Following an impressive victory over Decatur on Friday night, the Anna Coyotes have punched their ticket to the biggest stage in Texas high school football-- marking the program's first appearance on the big stage. With great effort all season long, the Coyotes have earned their place as they prepare to take on Tyler Chapel Hill in the UIL Class 4A Division 1 State Title match. How did Anna grind their way to the top this season?
With a 14-1 overall record and an undefeated, first-place finish in their district (5-0), the Coyotes knew they had something special from the get-go this season. Their only loss a hard-fought 42-40 non-district showdown against Celina in overtime proved to light a fire that powered Anna to create a legacy all their own.
Defeating plenty of talented teams like Mabank, Paris, All Saints Episcopal School, Aubrey, Sulphur Springs, and more, the team made their way into the playoffs without hesitation or doubt on the field. Through the playoffs, the Coyotes have defeated Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins, China Spring, Panther Creek, Stephenville, and last week Decatur in a 38-27 state semifinal showdown.
During the program's first-ever state semifinal appearance, Ziondre Williams recorded 194 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 66 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown while Edward Chumley recorded two rushing touchdowns and 130 rushing yards on 24 carries to help lead the team to a 38-27 victory over Decatur. Other athletes like Jacob Emmers, who has scored 11 times since returning from an injury this season, Sean Steens, Jabari Finnie, and more helped power Anna's offense to pull away from Decatur in the second half while the defense, led by Abram Greer, CJ Williams, Cash Miller, Jamison Adams, Grayson Stewart, and more helped ensure the job was finished.
The team is geared up to face off against Chapel Hil on Friday, December 15th where they look to continue making history for themselves this season.
Kick-off is set for 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.