Aledo stands alone atop the Texas high school football record books. It has 11 state titles, the most of any program in the state.
Smithson Valley, meanwhile, has never won a state title in its 58-year history. The Rangers have lost all three title games they’ve appeared in (2001, 2002, and 2004).
Aledo has outscored its last two state title game opponents 108-35, so Smithson Valley has a tall task ahead of it.
Here’s what to watch for in the 5A Division I State Title Game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 Friday.
Aledo Bearcats (15-0)
Head Coach: Robby Jones (1st Season; 15-0)
Distance to AT&T Stadium: 36 miles
Aledo is A on map
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 27-6 vs. Killeen Shoemaker
Area: W 48-31 vs. Lubbock Cooper
Regional Semifinals: W 59-35 vs. Red Oak
Regional Final: W 56-21 vs. Abilene
State Semifinals: W 43-7 vs. Forney
Key Players and Storylines
It’s safe to say the changing of the guard went well at Aledo.
After 25 years, eight state championships, and 281 overall wins, Tim Buchanan stepped down for the second time from the Aledo head coaching position.
The Bearcats promoted Robby Jones, who had served as Aledo’s offensive coordinator since 2000, and they picked up right where they left off under Buchanan.
Quarterback Hauss Hejny (2,571 passing yards and 25 touchdowns; 964 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns) is a big reason why. The TCU commit scored four touchdowns in last year’s state title game.
In the rushing attack, Aledo has a wealth of options. Sophomore Raycine Guillory Jr. missed last week’s game due to injury, so Incarnate Word commit Hawk Patrick-Daniels stepped up and rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns in his plays last week. LSU commit Davhon Keys is Aledo’s short-yardage specialist offensively. He rushed for four touchdowns a week ago on just seven carries.
Hejny completed just three passes a week ago, a sign that Aledo is more than content to rely on that rushing attack.
Defensively, Keys (157 total tackles) is by far Aledo’s leading tackler from his linebacker position.
The Bearcats are strong in the secondary with Arkansas commit cornerback Jaden Allen (50 tackles, two interceptions) and Stephen F. Austin commit safety Jake Gillespie (85 tackles). The defense as a whole had three interceptions in their 43-7 win over Forney last week.
Aledo will hope that defense with all its stars can frustrate Smithson Valley much like it did College Station last year.
Smithson Valley Rangers (14-1)
Head Coach: Larry Hill (31st season; 301-88)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 267 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 41-25 vs. Georgetown
Area: W 20-17 vs. Magnolia West
Regional Semifinals: W 26-21 vs. College Station
Regional Final: W 31-24 vs. A&M Consolidated
State Semifinals: W 49-21 vs. Brownsville Veterans Memorial
Key Players and Storylines
Last year, a goal line stand by College Station eliminated Smithson Valley in the regional final. This season, the Rangers got their revenge against the whole of College Station. First, they beat the Cougars in the regional semifinals before overcoming a 17-0 deficit against A&M Consolidated in the regional final.
Smithson Valley is going to look to keep the ball on the ground. Last week against Veterans Memorial, the Rangers rushed for 264 yards and seven touchdowns.
Brad Sowersby is Smithson Valley’s lead back. He had 245 rushing yards in his team’s regional final victory.
However, he’s not the lone weapon. Receiver Cole Freund had three touchdowns last week and the Rangers also have University of Texas commit Freddie Dubose. Even freshman running back Caleb Peagler had 89 rushing yards last week.
Defensively, Kylor Scheppler is attracting looks from the next level. Defensive back Diego Davila had a big interception last week as well as a big punt return.
Final Thoughts
Smithson Valley comes into this game as the underdogs, so Rangers head coach Larry Hill believes it’s imperative his team wins the turnover battle on Friday night.
He also said explosive plays will be vital. A year ago, Aledo put the championship out of reach by halftime as it jumped out to a 35-0 lead.
The Rangers will need to cause some chaos on Friday if they want to prevent the Bearcats from adding a Texas record 12th state title.
CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz
