This game should have plenty of offense. Anna averages nearly 39 points per game, while Chapel Hill puts up more than 45 a contest. Both teams have plenty of dynamic offensive weapons as well with several players in this game set to play at the next level.
It’s Anna’s first-ever trip to a state title game, while Chapel Hill is back for the first time in 11 years.
Here’s what to watch for in the 4A Division I state title game. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday.
Anna Coyotes (14-1)
Head Coach: Seth Parr (3rd season; 35-5)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 63 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District W 17-0 vs. Wilmer-Hutchins
Area: W 45-21 vs. China Spring
Regional Semifinals: W 42-38 vs. Frisco Panther Creek
Regional Final: W 41-21 vs. Stephenville
State Semifinals: W 38-27 vs. Decatur
Key Players and Storylines
Before this season, Anna had never even made the state semifinals. The Coyotes had made the state quarterfinals twice: last year and in 1976.
This year was the breakthrough the rapidly growing city had hoped for. Its victory over Decatur last week earned the first state title game appearance in school history for the Coyotes.
They are going to want to sling the football on Friday. Sophomore quarterback Ziondre Williams has had a breakout year with 2,757 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. He has quite the target to aim for in three-star reeiver Jacob Emmers. Those two connected for the game-winning 35-yard touchdown against Panther Creek in the regional semifinals.
However, the receiving corps is far from a one-man room. Sean Steens (865 yards on the season) had seven catches for 90 yards last week while Jabari Finnie doubled his season receiving yardage total last week with three catches for 78 yards.
But don’t get so focused on Anna’s passing attack that you forget about running back Edward Chumley (999 rushing yards and 13 touchdown) either. He had 25 carries for 135 yards last week.
Defensively, Anna is led by another future Division I athlete in linebacker CJ Miller (182 tackles , 20 TFLs). He has quite the duo alongside him at the position in Grayson Stewart (158 tackles) and Abram Greer (110 tackles). They’ll need to tackle well against Chapel Hill’s dangerous rushing attack.
When Chapel Hill does turn to the air, it will have to be weary of safety Jamison Adams, who has seven interceptions on the year. And if that’s not impressive enough, he also has seven fumble recoveries.
Chapel Hill Bulldogs (13-2)
Head Coach: Jeff Riordan (5th season; 46-22)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 125 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 35-7 vs. Little Cypress-Mauriceville
Area: W 54-18 vs. El Campo
Regional Semifinals: W 42-21 vs. Iowa Colony
Regional Final: W 21-19 vs. Kilgore
State Semifinals W 56-33 vs. Davenport
Key Players and Storylines
When Jeff Riordan took over at Chapel Hill in 2019, the Bulldogs went 2-8 in his first season in charge. He quickly turned the program around, leading them to the state semifinals in 2021 and 2022.
This year, there were some question marks surrounding the Bulldogs after they lost two of their last four regular season games. However, they have caught fire at the right time to make it back to the state title game for the first time since their 20-19 win over Alvarado in the 2011 3A Division I state championship.
Chapel Hill can punish teams with a variety of weapons offensively. SMU commit Rickey Stewart (2,797 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns) paces the unit along with dual threat quarterback Demetrius Brisbon Jr. (1,939 passing yards, 1,664 rushing yards, and 13 total touchdowns). Brisbon is also a SMU commit.
Out at receiver, the Bulldogs have Stephen F Austin commit Cameron Kelley (710 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns) and Jayvin Mayfield, who had just one catch last week, but it was for an 84-yard touchdown.
Defensively, linebacker Trevor Brooks is a frequent visitor to opposing backfields with 37 tackles for loss on the season. Look for Brooks, lineabcker Da’Veon Ross (163 total tackles), and Ja’Borian Cook (112 tackles, 14 TFLs) to be all over the field for Chapel Hill on Friday. In the secondary, Mayfield is also a lockdown corner, leading the Bulldogs with 14 passes defended on the season.
Final Thoughts
With the threat SMU commits Stewart and Brisbon possess, Anna head coach Seth Parr said his Coyotes must set the edge and try to slow down that Bulldog rushing attack. Although, he admitted that is easier said than done.
Every possession will be crucial and this one could come down to whatever offense has the ball last in what should be an exciting championship game.
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