With big defensive takeaways, defensive MVP Klyderion Campbell helped lead Mart its third consecutive state title in the Class 2A, Division II championship game Thursday at AT&T Stadium.
Mart forced four turnovers, including a pick-six, to defeat Hamlin 25-20.
Hamlin led 14-12 with possession when Keishawn Clater intercepted the ball. It would mark the turning point for the Panthers as Roddrell Freeman followed with a touchdown to give Mart its first lead of the game.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound junior carried the ball 21 times for 173 yards and scored three touchdowns — all of Mart’s offensive scores. Additionally, 168 of the 173 yards came in the first half for Freeman as he set the pace.
Just inside a minute until halftime, Mart’s Chris Bledsoe stripped the ball before Hamlin could score, allowing the Panthers to head into halftime ahead.
The second half was largely defensive with the most notable moment being Campbell’s 33-yard pick-six, giving the Panthers a 25-14 lead.
With a chance to answer, Hamlin’s Jevon Williams couldn’t control the snap and Freeman picked up the fumble with just over 5 minutes left in the game. Hamlin scored one more time, but with only a minute and a half left, it couldn’t force a comeback.
“We didn’t play very well today, but I think that had more to do with Hamlin than it did with us…” Mart head coach Kevin Hoffman said. “They’ve [Hamlin] got a great group of kids. I can see them coming back here for years to come.”
The win marks the eighth state title for Mart, the second most in UIL history and most in 11-man history.
Richland Springs won its ninth title Wednesday, and Aledo has a chance to match that on Saturday in their title match.
