The Columbus Cardinals captured their first-ever state championship in commanding fashion, defeating the Malakoff Tigers 48-14 in the UIL 3A Division I State Title Game at AT&T Stadium. The Cardinals, fueled by a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, ended Malakoff’s 31-game winning streak in a game that showcased their explosive offense and suffocating defense.
First Half: Columbus Sets the Tone
Columbus started strong, taking the opening kickoff and immediately showcasing their offensive firepower. On just the second play of the game, quarterback Adam Schobel connected with Braylon Fisher for a 49-yard pass. Moments later, Grayson Rigdon, the Cardinals’ star running back, capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown run to put Columbus up 7-0 with 9:25 left in the first quarter.
The Columbus Cardinals kick off the scoring for the primetime game! Touchdown
PAT good!@ColumbusHS1894
Score 7-0 Cardinals pic.twitter.com/8vwROjDdgV— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 20, 2024
Malakoff responded with a physical drive of its own, led by quarterback Mike Jones and running back Jerrion Hall. Hall punched in a four-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7, but it would be the only moment Malakoff seemed to keep pace with the Cardinals.v
Malakoff Touchdown! @MalakoffFB Tigers
Score tied at 7!#TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/GflacXqnqT— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 20, 2024
Columbus struck back quickly to take a 14-7 lead on another Rigdon touchdown run. On the last play of the first quarter, Schobel delivered a perfect 32-yard touchdown pass to Fisher, putting Columbus ahead 21-7. Schobel and Rigdon continued to dominate in the second quarter. Rigdon hurdled over a defender for his second touchdown, and Schobel added a two-yard quarterback sneak to push the lead to 28-7. Just before halftime, Rigdon’s third touchdown run capped another impressive drive, giving Columbus a commanding 34-7 lead at the break.
Wow! What a touchdown @graysonrigdon1
Score 34-7 @ColumbusHS1894 #TXHSFB #UILstate pic.twitter.com/J36h4uBRkG— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 20, 2024
Second Half: Columbus Defense Closes the Door
Malakoff opened the second half with a promising drive, moving inside the Columbus 30-yard line. However, the Cardinals’ defense, which swarmed all night, came up with another huge sack to stall the drive. Malakoff’s struggles continued as Jones was sacked again on a failed fourth-down attempt.
Columbus capitalized on the turnover on downs with another scoring drive. Rigdon added his fourth touchdown of the night, cementing his legacy as one of Texas high school football’s all-time greats. The senior finished with 18 carries for 119 yards and four touchdowns in his final game.
Early in the fourth quarter, Rigdon exited the game after an apparent injury, marking an emotional moment as one of the sport’s brightest stars ended his high school career. Despite the injury, he appeared in good spirits on the sideline.
Columbus sealed the game with Schobel’s third touchdown pass of the night, a 20-yard strike to Camdon Pitchford on fourth-and-seven. The Cardinals’ defense continued to dominate, forcing turnovers on downs and stifling Malakoff’s attempts to mount a comeback.
4th Quarter Update with the awesome Cardinal Cheerleaders!
Score: 41-7 @ColumbusHS1894 #TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/Myt6Q640hF— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 20, 2024
Malakoff added a late score with a four-yard touchdown run by Jason Tennyson, but the game had long been decided. The Cardinals’ sideline erupted in celebration as the clock hit zero, marking a historic 48-14 victory and the program’s first state championship.Columbus was led by Schobel, who finished with three touchdown passes and a rushing score, and Rigdon, whose four touchdowns solidified his standing as one of the best to ever play in Texas high school football. The Cardinals’ offensive line, which started three sophomores and a freshman, played beyond their years, opening holes for Rigdon and protecting Schobel.
Malakoff, despite the loss, displayed resilience in a season that included a 31-game win streak and back-to-back state title game appearances. Their physicality was evident, but the night belonged to Columbus.
This championship marks the culmination of years of building for the Cardinals, who ended the night as state champions in their first-ever title game appearance. For Rigdon, Schobel, and the rest of the team, the victory will be remembered as a defining moment in Columbus football history.
Offensive MVP Adam Schobel
Defensive MVP John Schobel
