For the first time in 76 years, a team from Fort Worth will play for a state title in the largest classification. It has been 21 years since a team from Fort Worth played for a state title period. That last team was North Crowley, and the Panthers are back again.
They first turned heads when they beat DeSoto in a 57-51 instant classic back in week two. North Crowley only further proved that it can hang with the best of the best with a 35-7 win over Allen in the regional final and a 36-34 win over Duncanville in the state semifinals.
Across the field, Westlake is fresh off an impressive win of its own. The Chaparrals dominated North Shore 35-10 in the state semifinals. Now, they’re looking for their first state title in three years and their first under head coach Tony Salazar.
This one should be an all-out battle. Here’s what to watch for on Saturday at 7:00.
North Crowley Panthers (15-0)
Head Coach: Ray Gates (3rd season; 41-2 record)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 28 miles
2024 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 56-21 vs. Byron Nelson
Area: W 72-14 vs. Odessa Permian
Regional Semifinals: W 35-24 vs. Coppell
Regional Final: W 35-7 vs. Allen
State Semifinals: W 36-34 vs. Duncanville
Key Players and Storylines
A year ago, Duncanville destroyed North Crowley 52-10 in the state semifinals.
But this year’s Panther team was ready for the moment. UNLV running back Cornelius Warren was a big reason why with 223 total yards and two touchdowns last week. It helps to have guys like Missouri commit Henry Fenuku and four-star tackle John Turntine paving the way for him.
They also keep North Texas commit quarterback Chris Jimerson Jr. protected in the pocket. He was nearly flawless last week with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Colorado commit wide receiver Quentin Gibson has delivered all year in the biggest of moments. He had four touchdowns against DeSoto and two more last week.
Quentin Gibson goes DEEP 😳🔥
Colorado WR commit with a huge 4th quarter touchdown catch for North Crowley (TX). @NorthCro_FB
Follow along ⬇️https://t.co/ziOBAffO5w pic.twitter.com/FzNx2sRMZR
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) December 14, 2024
Defensively, the Panthers are just as loaded with talent. Texas commit senior linebacker Jonathan Cunningham is the unit’s leader in the middle of the field. In the secondary, safety Aaron Bradshaw has been a ballhawk during the playoffs and he’s joined by Oklahoma State commit cornerback Draden Fullbright and Washington State commit safety Gaylon McNeal Jr.
Westlake Chaparrals (14-1)
Head Coach: Tony Salazar (3rd season; 42-3 record)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 206 miles
2024 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 46-17 vs. Vista Ridge
Area: W 24-7 vs. Brennan
Regional Semifinals: W 52-14 vs. Buda Johnson
Regional Final: W 24-17 vs. Lake Travis
State Semifinals: W 35-10 vs. North Shore
Key Players and Storylines
Westlake simply stifled North Shore last week, holding the Mustangs to just ten points. Duke commit Elliott Schaper was a big reason why, finishing with 16 tackles and three for loss. He’ll need to be just as active on Saturday to try and slow down North Crowley’s powerful attack.
The Chaparrals also have some other threats up front with junior Maddox Flynt (59 tackles, 10 TFLs) and senior Cullen Devine, an Air Force commit, (29 tackles, seven sacks) at defensive end.
In the secondary, they have a bona fide lockdown corner in George Jones III. He has seven interceptions so far in 15 games this year.
Offensively, the Chaparrals stay pretty balanced. They rushed for 234 yards last week with Grady Bartlett (767 rushing yards) and Elijah Clark (460 rushing yards) leading the way.
Rees Wise only threw it 10 times last week, but he was efficient, completing eight of those attempts for 143 yards and three touchdowns.
Baylor commit tight end Brody Wilhelm (600 yards and nine touchdowns) is a big target at 6’5″ and 215 pounds, while Chase Bowen (546 yards and three touchdowns) has stepped up in the absence of Air Force commit receiver Cal Livengood. Bowen had three catches for 78 yards a week ago.
TOUCHDOWN
Westlake QB @rees_wise hits WR @11chasebowen11 on the crossing route and he makes his way in for the score! #TXHSFBPlayoffs
:42 seconds left in 1st Quarter@Westlake_Nation 14@NSNationFB 3 pic.twitter.com/oSuHxksZYX
— VYPE Austin (@VypeATX) December 14, 2024
Final Thoughts
Before last week, North Shore was averaging 44 points per game. They didn’t even get close to that against the Westlake defense.
The question will be can the Chaparrals repeat the feat against a North Crowley team that is just as loaded with talent.
It’ll be strength against strength to close out the week as the Panthers look for their first state title in 21 years, while Westlake hopes to earn its fourth title in the past six years.
