In recent years, 3A Division II has run through Gunter. The Tigers have made the state title game six times in the last eight years, but they have a chance at history this year. They have never won back-to-back titles. It’s a feat they’ll hope to accomplish Thursday after their domination of Poth a year ago.
Standing in their way is a Tidehaven team that hasn’t played for a state title since 1980. The Tigers have the best defense statistically of any team that will play for a state title this week.
Here’s what to watch for in the 3A Division II state title game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Gunter Tigers (15-0)
Head Coach: Jake Fieszel (17th season; 209-29)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 63 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 75-0 vs. Cedar Hill TLC
Area: W 83-6 vs. City View
Regional Semifinals: W 45-0 vs. Comanche
Regional Final: W 55-33 vs. Tidehaven
State Semifinals: W 38-17 vs. Canadian
Key Players and Storylines
Gunter controlled much of its state semifinal win over Canadian. The Tigers outscored the Wildcats 28-7 after the first quarter to book another ticket back to Arlington. It follows the pattern of dominance they’ve shown all season. That 21-point win last week was Gunter’s smallest margin of victory this season.
WATCH: Back to AT&T Stadium for Gunter! The Tigers take care of Canadian 38-17 to advance to their third-consecutive state title!@SportsKTEN @gunter_football @CoachFieszel @WalkerOverman @Cannon_Lemberg @jace_G102 @HaydenFarrell25 @brayden_hint1 @AdamOgburnTV #TXHSFBPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/wr1UbovnJx
— Davis Baker (@DavisBakerTV) December 9, 2023
For the Tigers, it all starts with quarterback Walker Overman. He doesn’t have the traditional stature of a quarterback. He’s just 5’7″ and 145 pounds, but he is quick. He rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns in the state semifinals.
On the season, he’s thrown for 35 touchdowns and added another 21 on the ground. He has no shortage of weapons around him. Brock Boddie and Brayden Hinton are two punishing runners. In the passing game, the Tigers also tout receivers Jace Martin and Stephen F. Austin commit Cannon Lemberg. Lemberg had five catches for 87 yards against Canadian.
Defensively, the Tigers are tough. At one point this season, they went on a five game stretch without allowing a single point. They also have a knack for forcing turnovers. In the regional final against Jacksboro, Benji Rodriguez had a pick-six that helped flip the game on its head. Senior Brooks Griggs-Bell is another leader at the linebacker position.
This Gunter team leans on the motto “Tough People Win”. They’ve showed that grit all year long and will have plenty of fight come Thursday night.
Tidehaven Tigers (14-0)
Head Coach: David Lucio (8th Season; 69-30)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 314 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District W 63-6 vs. Buffalo
Area: W 41-0 vs. Dilley
Regional Semifinals: W 56-21 vs. Rogers
Regional Final: W 34-28 vs. Poth
State Semifinals: W 20-14 vs. Daingerfield
Key Players and Storylines
Tidehaven made it to the regional final last year before losing to Poth 12-6. This year, the Tigers looked in trouble as they trailed 28-14 heading into the fourth quarter in their regional final against Poth, but they found a way to come back and win it 34-28 in double overtime.
Last week, it took overtime again as Tidehaven defeated Daingerfield 20-14.
Those two come-from-behind victories have the Tigers back in the state title game for the first time since 1980.
Tidehaven is going to lean on Baylor commit Joseph Dodds offensively. He had 132 total yards of offense and all three of Tidehaven’s touchdowns last week. In the regional final, he was even more impressive with 225 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The Tigers are led by a sophomore at quarterback in Kale Russell, although he has plenty of experience. He started for Tidehaven as well last year.
Defensively, Tidehaven will bring the stingiest defense of any of the 24 teams competing in Arlington this week. The Tigers have shut out eight of their fifteen opponents and allow less than six points per game.
Final Thoughts
Gunter will want to put this game out of reach quickly like it did last year against Poth. It won’t want an underdog with a tough defense hanging with it.
For Tidehaven, the Tigers are going to need to win the turnover margin and have a huge game from Dodds to have a shot at Gunter.
Gunter is the heavy favorite, but it seems like these state championships deliver a surprise or two every year, so don’t count out Tidehaven just yet.
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