The 4A state title games have a distinct east Texas feel as three of the four contending teams hail from that region. The majority of the competing schools are also used to contending on the big stage. Aside from Lindale, the other three teams have at least five state title game appearances this century.
All told, that sets the scene for what should be a fun day of games to round out part one of 2020-21 Texas high school football state championship week with the 5A and 6A championships still set to be played in January. Here is what to watch for on Friday.
4A Division II: Gilmer Buckeyes (14-1) vs. Carthage Bulldogs (13-0) 12 p.m. Friday
Last Season: Texarkana Pleasant Grove 35-21 Wimberley
Tale of the Tape: Carthage has been a dynasty as of late, winning seven state titles since 2008, including a 42-28 victory over La Vega last season. The Bulldog defense has been tough to breach this season, allowing just 95 points total in the 12 games that Carthage has played. Gilmer knows about that defense first hand after it was defeated 42-14 by the Bulldogs back on September 25th. The Buckeyes are returning to the state title game for the first time since 2014 and will be looking to bring home their fourth state championship overall.
Players to watch: Just like last year where each had over 230 yards of total offense in Carthage’s state title victory, senior quarterback Kai Horton and running back Mason Courtney have led the way for the Bulldog offense this season. Horton has thrown for 2,673 yards and 31 touchdowns this year, while Courtney has added 1,314 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground. “Kai and Mason are the leaders of our offense,” Carthage head coach Scott Surratt said. “We check a lot at the line of scrimmage and Kai always gets us in to good looks. Mason brings the physical mentality to our team. They are great athletes with great attitudes!” Out at receiver, sophomore Montrel Hatten Jr., who already has an offer from Baylor, and senior Craig McNew are the two team leaders in receiving yards and each have eight touchdowns on the season, while 6’4” 220-pound Central Arkansas commit Montrell Smith provides another big target for Horton to aim for. Defensively, look for linebacker and leading tackler Kip Lewis, who missed out on last year’s title game due to injury, to anchor the Bulldogs as they look for another impressive performance against the Buckeyes.
Gilmer’s fate in this game will likely rest on the performance of its quarterback Brandon Tennison. Tennison has thrown for 3,747 yards and 38 touchdowns this year, while also leading the Buckeyes with 977 rushing yards. “Brandon is obviously physically gifted with running ability and accuracy throwing the football. I think the thing that makes Brandon stand apart is his desire to be coached and be great,” Gilmer head coach Alan Metzel said. “At no time this season has he lost his fire to get better. His attention to detail in meetings, extra work with his quarterback coaches in areas like ball security and scramble drills has paid off tremendously as we have pushed deeper into the playoffs.” When Tennison looks to pass, the Fluellen brothers will be double trouble for the Bulldog secondary. Senior Dylan leads the team with 1,134 receiving yards and 18 touchdown, while his sophomore brother Rohan has had a breakout year, pitching in with 61 catches for 887 yards to be the team’s second leading receiver. Rohan is also a threat in the Buckeye secondary, leading the team with six interceptions. Joining him defensively is standout linebacker Jett Jones, who leads the team with a remarkable 185 total tackles. Up front, junior defensive end Matthew Burton will look to become well acquainted with Horton in the backfield as he leads the Gilmer defense with 17 sacks on the season.
This Carthage team looks to be on a direct path to its eighth state title after a string of dominating victories during the playoffs, but the Bulldogs will know it is always tough to beat a team twice. Gilmer will need a big game from Tennison and the Fluellen brothers if it wants to pull off the upset and earn its school’s first football state title since 2014.
4A Division I Argyle Eagles (15-0) vs. Lindale Eagles (13-1) 7 p.m. Friday
Last Season: Carthage 42-28 Waco La Vega
Tale of the Tape: It will be an all Eagle matchup to end the week at AT&T Stadium. Lindale is making its first ever state title game appearance and has leaned on its offense, which is averaging over 42 points per game. Argyle, meanwhile, is making its sixth title game appearance, all since 2005. Argyle’s lone victory on the big stage came back in 2013 in a 38-33 win over Fairfield. Its offense is just as prolific, averaging over 48 points per game meaning it could very well be a shootout to cap off the action for the week in Arlington.
Players to Watch: The Argyle offense has a wealth of talent. CJ Rogers has flourished in his first year starting behind center with 3,062 passing yards and 44 touchdowns to just four interceptions. “CJ came into the season with very little experience. He has learned a great deal from his coaching and playing experience this season,” Argyle head coach Todd Rodgers said. “He is a tremendous athlete as well so the learned experiences coupled with his athleticism has allowed him to really lead our offensive unit.” Rogers has a pair of talented running backs alongside him with Tito Byce, a three-year starter who has 831 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, and Braden Baker, 794 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the year, joining him in the backfield. When the Eagles need to let the ball fly, Cole Kirkpatrick, a returning starter who has 13 Division I offers, has been the main man, leading the team with 1,185 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Fellow receiver Cash Walker is coming off a 106-receiving yard performance in the semifinal victory over Canyon and will be another threat for Lindale to deal with. Defensively, linebacker Davis Elsey and defensive back Zach Stewart are two players to keep an eye on as they lead Argyle’s defense in tackles with 93 apiece.
Lindale is riding some momentum heading into this one after overcoming a 28-7 deficit for a dramatic 31-28 win over LBJ in the semifinals. Baylor commit Jordan Jenkins is the lifeblood of the Lindale offense. The senior running back has had a huge season with 2,953 yards and 50 touchdowns and will need another big night to give Lindale a shot against Argyle. “He is a very special young man. The details matter to Jordan and we place a huge emphasis on preparation,” said Lindale head coach Chris Cochran after Lindale defeated Needville in the second round of playoffs. “[Jordan] is vital to our success. The Lindale Eagles go as Jordan goes! We have a whole lot of trust in what he can do for our football team and we are a confident football team because of him.” When the Eagles need to go through the air, Sam Peterson, a multiyear starter for Lindale, has had a good year throwing for 2,296 yards and 24 touchdowns on the season, but Lindale will likely need more from its passing game on Friday after only throwing for 19 yards against LBJ. Receiver Jacob Seekford will likely play a big role in that as he leads the team with 918 yards and nine touchdowns. Meanwhile, Airik Williams brings the potential for game-changing plays with him as he leads Lindale with seven interceptions and also took a kick return to the house against LBJ. Defensive end Jaymond Jackson, who has seven Division I offers, is a leader on the defensive line and will look to disrupt the Argyle offense as he has done to opposing offenses all year long.
In this nightcap, Argyle will be favored after its dominating performances throughout the season, but Jordan Jenkins will be the man to watch in this one. His performance on Friday night will determine whether Lindale has a chance to bring home its first ever state title or whether it will be another impressive Argyle victory to cap off its memorable 2020 season.
