For years, Wall lived in that space between “really good” and “champion.” Not anymore.
The Hawks turned a dream season into history at AT&T Stadium, jumping out early, bending late, and hanging on for a 25-24 win over Newton to capture the first state title in program history. It wasn’t official until Jacob Braden fell on a wild onside kick with 1:40 left, and Wall fans finally exhaled.
Wall came out swinging right away, and the tone was aggressive from the first snap. A trick play double pass, with Reid Robertson launching a 42-yard strike to Kellan Oliver, set up the opening touchdown. After Newton answered with a long, methodical drive, Wall’s special teams flipped the game. Gavin Sisson blocked a punt, and Dylan Sellers scooped it and raced 28 yards for a touchdown, giving the Hawks the lead for good.
Then the Robertson show really got rolling. On a third-and-long screen, Robertson turned a short catch into a highlight sprint for a 47-yard score, and right before halftime, Wall stayed true to its identity. Facing a fourth-and-goal, the Hawks kept the foot on the gas. Landon York fired a touchdown to Robertson to make it 25-8 at the break, and it felt like Wall had the trophy in its hands already.
But Newton didn’t come to Arlington to play nice in the second half. The Eagles unleashed their rushing attack, grinding out a 98-yard touchdown drive and tightening the game with stop after stop. Wall didn’t score after halftime, and the final minutes turned into a stress test for everyone wearing maroon.
Newton’s last punch landed with 1:43 left, a 37-yard fourth-and-16 touchdown that made it 25-24. One onside kick separated celebration from heartbreak. The ball bounced like it had a mind of its own, but Braden secured it, and Wall kneeled out the final seconds.
Robertson earned Offensive MVP honors with five catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, plus that early pass that set the tone. Sisson took Defensive MVP after stacking 13 tackles and making the punt block that changed everything.
Wall finishes 16-0, and an entire community gets to say it forever: state champs. Newton ends 14-2, and even in defeat, proved why that program’s championship history is so respected.
Photos by Das Mitchell below
