For decades, Yoakum chased this moment. On Thursday afternoon at AT&T Stadium, the Bulldogs finally grabbed it.
Powered by a relentless rushing attack and a performance for the ages from X’Zavier Barnett, Yoakum claimed its first-ever state championship, defeating Grandview 45-29 in the Class 3A Division I title game. After coming up short in championship appearances in 1952 and 2016, the Bulldogs finished the job this time with authority.
From the opening drive, Yoakum made its plan clear. The Bulldogs leaned heavily on their ground game, pounding out yardage and controlling tempo against a Grandview team that had thrived in close games throughout the playoffs. Jace Morales and Barnett set the tone early, ripping off chunk runs that kept the Zebras on their heels.
Barnett was unstoppable. The SMU signee rushed for 193 yards on just 17 carries and scored five touchdowns, tying a single-game 3A state championship record. Morales was just as punishing, finishing with 197 yards on 20 carries and a score, as the duo combined for 390 of Yoakum’s 396 rushing yards.
Yoakum raced to a 24-0 lead late in the second quarter, overwhelming Grandview with physicality and pace. Even when the Zebras answered with a late touchdown before halftime, the Bulldogs never lost control. Yoakum opened the second half by forcing turnovers and immediately cashing in, stretching the lead to 38-7 by late in the third quarter.
To Grandview’s credit, the Zebras kept swinging. Brady Slinkard hauled in three touchdown catches from quarterback Mason Landers, and Bleu Hubbard contributed on both the ground and through the air as Grandview tried to rally. But every surge was met with another long Yoakum drive or a decisive Barnett run.
When Barnett crossed the goal line for the fifth time late in the fourth quarter, the outcome was sealed. Yoakum finished with 405 total yards and ran the ball with purpose until the final whistle.
Grandview, a two-time state champion, closed the season at 13-3 after a gritty playoff run filled with narrow wins and late-game drama. Yoakum, meanwhile, finished 14-2 and etched its name into school history.
After years of knocking on the door, the Bulldogs finally kicked it down.
Photos from Das Mitchell below
