TheOldCoach Class 1A State Championship Insider
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Senior Analyst, TheOldCoach.com
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THEOLDCOACH CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INSIDER
Stamford (13-1) vs. Shiner (11-3) Thursday 10:00am AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Stamford is playing in their third straight state title game, the Bulldogs were runner up in 2011 to Mason and won a thriller last year over Mart 35-28. The Bulldogs had to replace a lot of talent but the cupboard wasn't bare as they are led by versatile QB Bo Wimberley and Oklahoma State commit WR James Washington. The Bulldogs only loss of the season came at the hands of Cisco who is playing for the 2A Division II title this week. Shiner is playing for their third state title this week, the Comanches stunned Mart in the semi-finals 49-22. Shiner got a huge rushing effort as they had three ball carriers top the 100 yard mark led by QB Jacob Stafford who ran for 204 yards and five touchdowns. Shiner's been a big Cinderella story and probably the last team remaining that literally no one picked to be here. They don't have a lot of experience on the big stage while this is becoming old hat for Stamford. Look for the Bulldogs to roll in this one. Stepp's Pick: Stamford by 16
Wellington (14-0) vs. Falls City (14-0) Thursday 1:00pm AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Aside from Fairfield-Argyle in 3A Division II, this is the only title game that features a pair of unbeaten teams. Falls City won it all in 2010, while Wellington is playing for their first ever state championship. These two schools are 475 miles apart making it one of the biggest distances mileage wise between state title opponents in recent memory. Both schools have been incredibly dominant, Wellington hasn't had a game closer than 16 points all season and that was in their opener against 2A Childress. Falls City has only been tested twice a six point win over 2A Jourdanton in the season opener and then last week in a 36-34 win over Tenaha. ATH Justin Twine lead the Beavers attack as last week he ran for 254 yards and four touchdowns, he gives Falls City a speed element they haven't had in the past. Wellington has a dominant player of their own in RB Terry Gilbreath who ran for 262 yards and three touchdowns, while QB Klark Ashmore chipped in 123 rushing yards and two scores as WHS rolled past Albany 46-20. This game will come down to which defense can consistently generate stops against the opposing offense, on paper that edge goes to the Skyrockets. Stepp's Pick: Wellington by 4