China Spring didn’t miss a beat moving up to 4A Division I this year as the Cougars are back in the state title game for the second year in a row.
They’ll meet the Boerne Greyhounds, who are in the midst of a historic undefeated season. Friday will mark their first ever appearance in a state title game.
Here’s what to watch on Friday afternoon at 3:00 in the 4A Division I State Title Game.
China Spring Cougars (14-1)
Head Coach: Tyler Beatty (1st season; 14-1)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 109 miles
2022 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 72-7 vs. Fort Worth Western Hills
Area: W 41-7 vs. Kaufman
Regional Semifinals: W 41-7 vs. Lake Worth
Regional Final: W 31-14 vs. Anna
State Semifinals: W 33-27 vs. Decatur
Key Players and Storylines
China Spring won its district title in arguably one of the games of the year back on Oct. 21 when they knocked off Stephenville, last year’s 4A Division I state champion, on a last-second 42-yard field goal by Thomas Barr.
That game may have been a symbolic transfer of power as China Spring will now look to win the 4A Division I title a year after knocking off Gilmer to win its first state title in 43 years in 2021.
The Cougars had to replace last year’s Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year, Major Bowden, but Cash McCollum (2,845 passing yards and 33 touchdowns) moved in from Wimberley and seamlessly slotted into the role for China Spring this year.
He has formed a dangerous partnership with senior receiver Tre Hafford, who has 1,285 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns this year. Hafford is coming off an impressive 10-catch, 119-yard performance in the state semifinals.
Elsewhere, running back Kyle Barton has kept defenses off-balance with 1,555 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground this season. He’s had at least 73 rushing yards in China Spring’s five playoff games.
Hafford goes both ways and has four interceptions so far this season for the Cougars. Meanwhile, at linebacker look for Tristan Exline to make Boerne’s lives miserable after he had 15 tackles, a sack, and an interception in the state semifinal.
Boerne Greyhounds (15-0)
Head Coach: Che Hendrix (5th season; 50-12)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 270 miles
2022 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 42-13 vs. Taylor
Area: W 50-21 vs. Pleasanton
Regional Semifinals: W 51-0 vs. Port Lavaca Calhoun
Regional Final: W 49-19 vs. Calallen
State Semifinals: W 35-0 vs. Chapel Hill
Key Players and Storylines
Boerne made a statement in the state semifinals, shutting out Chapel Hill and forcing five turnovers in the process.
At the forefront for Boerne offensively is the connection between the Baize brothers. Jaxon has led the Greyhounds from his quarterback position as a sophomore with 3,402 yards and 51 touchdowns. His favorite receiver has been his brother Braden, who has 65 catches for 1,158 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Boerne head coach Che Hendrix said the Baize brothers have been a driving force for the Boerne offense all year long.
“They have been critical to our team, not just their stellar play but their attitude and leadership are very impactful,” Hendrix said. “They are both great teammates. We will need them to continue to make big plays and stretch the field for us to have a chance against China Spring Friday.”
When it’s not the Baize brothers running the show offensively, running back T.J. Dement has proven he can pound the rock. He racked up 173 rushing yards in the state semifinals and also has 578 receiving yards on the season.
Look for sophomore Brooks Perez to be another weapon for Boerne when it goes through the air as he has 674 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
There’s another pair of brothers that lead the way on defense as safety Houston Hendrix (104 tackles) and linebacker Hutson Hendrix (156 tackles) are among the leading tacklers on the team.
Up front, China Spring’s offensive line will have to be weary of Caleb Hamby (23 tackles for loss) and Braden Bays (18 tackles for loss), who have had a knack for making plays in opponents’ backfields all season long.
The Greyhound secondary has also proven a tough puzzle for opposing teams to solve as they’ve racked up 18 interceptions on the season. All told, McCollum will have to be careful when he lets the ball fly.
Final Thoughts
Both of these teams love to let the ball fly with reliable quarterbacks in McCollum and Baize.
Boerne may seem like a team of destiny after its historic season, and it certainly has the defense to hang with China Spring.
However, China Spring proved against Stephenville that it can make plays even in the face of adversity.
With little to separate these two teams, don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the wire on Friday afternoon.
