Time and time again, the sports world hears the phrase, “defense wins championships, but offense sells tickets” and during the Texas 6A Division II State Playoffs, the Cibolo Steele Knights have personified that characteristic to perfection.
The latest of edition of their stellar defensive prowess and offensive firepower came in the 35-14 victory over Katy Cinco Ranch in the State Semifinal Saturday night. Scott Lehnhoff’s team caused four turnovers on the night, highlighted by a spectacular 66-yard interception return for a touchdown from JayVeon Cardwell to add to the offensive explosion, led by yet another Xavier Martin masterclass on the other side of the ball.
After the win Saturday night, Lehnhoff said the key to the victory was how his side capitalized on the turnovers, something Steele has done all season.
The defense, which has held opponents to under 20 points in 17 points in 11 of 15 contest this year, has given the Knight’s offense, who is averaging 38.4 points per game, all the help it needs to succeed. The mixture of run-stopping defense led by DL Joshua Croslen and S Caden Sterns and a dynamic offense, noted for the powerful running from RB Brendan Brady and playmaking signal caller Martin, the Knights’ look ready to put their classic formula to the test against DeSoto in Arlington in the State Final.
If Steele is successful in their return to the title game for the first time since 2011, it will be the school’s first title since moving to 6A and first championship since 2010.
The San Antonio area has been waiting for a team like this for five seasons now, and now on the cusp of the title, Cibolo can bring it home. The tools for the win are before the Knights, but it will take a combined effort for them to capture the victory. They are confident, talented and more importantly ready, but will they succeed under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium?
The state will have to wait and see.
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