Class 2A State Championship Previews

Class 2A Division I State Championship

Melissa (12-1) vs. Hempstead (14-0) Thursday 8:00pm Cowboys Stadium, Arlington: For the past few seasons Melissa has been among the top small school teams in the DFW area, but the Cardinals have suffered many playoff disappointments. The Cardinals exercised some East Texas demons two weeks ago knocking off three time defending state champion Daingerfield and last week MHS took care of panhandle power Muleshoe 49-36. QB Wes McQueen had another big night throwing for 163 yards and five touchdowns along with rushing for 145 yards and a score. The potent Cards attack also had two other players top the 100 yard mark on the ground. Hempstead last week knocked off Tatum in a flat out war, beating the Eagles 21-14. Texas A&M verbal Trent Momon was the difference for the Bobcats as after Tatum had tied the score at 14, Momon returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a score to put HHS back on top 21-14. The Bobcats speed will present some problems for Melissa, but Melissa is certainly battle tested and that no huddle offense is a handful for most 2A defenses. Stepp's Pick: Melissa by 12

Class 2A Division II State Championship

Cisco (14-0) vs. Refugio (14-0) Friday Noon Cowboys Stadium, Arlington: Maybe the most anticipated small school title game is also the only title game of the weekend that pits two undefeated teams. Cisco has knocked off defending champion Idalou and previously unbeaten Mildred last week en route to advancing to their first title game since 2008. Last week Cisco knocked off a high powered Mildred squad 35-28, the Lobos had three players top the 100 yard mark on the ground last week paced by Mason Reed who ran for 131 yards and four touchdowns on just 15 carries. Cisco also got big efforts from Colten Gayle and Hayden Lewis who combined for 268 yards rushing. The key for Cisco was containing the potent Mildred offense which had simply run roughshod over Region II, the Lobos defense forced three turnovers and that proved to be the big difference. Cisco will have another tall task this week trying to slow down a Refugio offense that's set all kinds of records in 2011. The Bobcats who have put up over 60 points in a game eight times this season, including last week's 63-33 win over Lexington. Baylor verbal WR Lynx Hawthorne was the main cog in the Bobcats attack hauling in ten passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns, but the Bobcats offense has plenty of other weapons in RB's Shiloh Wetsel and Draigon Silvas who combined for 237 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. When teams try and double Hawthorne, Refugio will go to Marcus Thompson who last week had 153 yards receiving on just four receptions. Refugio's defense will be tested against the ball control attack of Cisco, but the Bobcats have ignored all the doubters and detractors and put together one of the most impressive runs in recent memory. There's just too much firepower on this squad and the Bobcats bring the elusive state title to the Coastal Bend. Stepp's Pick: Refugio by 11