The Texas UIL high school football state title games will get underway with a showdown between May and Westbrook in the 1A Division I State Title Game at 11:00 on Wednesday.
Westbrook is making its-first ever appearance in a state title game, while May is looking to avenge a 68-22 defeat to Sterling City in this title game a year ago.
Here is what to watch for on Wednesday morning.
Tale of the Tape
May Tigers
Head Coach: Craig Steele
Distance to AT&T Stadium: 142 miles
2021 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 68-20 vs. Irion County
Area: W 84-55 vs. Jonesboro
Regional Final: W 70-49 vs. Water Valley
State Semifinal: W 50-48 vs. Abbott
Key Players and Storylines
May will be going in search of its first state title since 1977 after suffering defeats in each of its four appearances in the state title game since then. Last year, Blake Harrell threw for 155 yards and Kaden Halk had 181 total yards and three touchdowns in the 68-22 defeat to Sterling City in the title game.
Those two players have been key in May’s journey getting back to the title game as Halk has 1,358 total yards and 30 touchdowns on the season, while Harrell has thrown for 1,238 yards and 23 touchdowns.
And while Halk has put up big numbers on the ground for the second year in a row, May head coach Craig Steele said Halk’s impact goes well beyond his stats for the season.
“Kaden has become a complete football player,” Steele said. “Obviously, he has great explosive potential offensively, but this year he has become a good blocker and a much better defensive player. He can now affect the game in many different ways.”
Besides Halk and Harrell, Avery Williford is a big reason why the Tigers are in this state title game after he rushed for 141 yards, caught two passes for 57 yards, and scored four touchdowns against Abbott in the state semifinals.
Defensively, May has succeeded at forcing the opposing teams into mistakes with 45 takeaways on the season. Cornerback Damien Salinas has been a key player for the Tigers with 123 tackles and four interceptions on the season.
And as is custom in six-man football, Harrell (98 tackles), Williford (96 tackles), and Halk (56 tackles) will all be expected to play a big role for the Tigers on both sides of the ball as they aim to bring home their first state title in 44 years.
Westbrook Wildcats
Head Coach: Homer Matlock
Distance to AT&T Stadium: 244 miles
2021 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 64-14 vs. Ira
Area: W 86-38 vs. Rankin
Regional Final: W 44-41 vs. Sterling City
State Semifinals: W 54-20 vs. Happy
Key Players and Storylines
Westbrook started the season 2-4 with tough losses to 1A Division II state finalists Motley County and Strawn and talented playoff teams Water Valley and Garden City. However, the Wildcats have responded with eight-straight wins, including two over defending state champion Sterling City, to clinch their first ever state title game berth.
Offensively, Westbrook is led by a powerful one-two punch at running back. Cedric Ware is coming off a huge game against Happy where he rushed for 258 yards, caught two passes for 69 yards, and scored six rushing touchdowns. His backfield counterpart is power back Jimmy Roberts, who has 311 yards and five touchdowns in the playoffs.
Quarterback Shammah Stark has been able to sling it as well when needed with 450 passing yards and five touchdowns in the playoffs.
On the other side of the ball, Hadley White (25 total tackles, 3 TFLs in the playoffs) has been a key force for the Wildcat defense in the playoffs after leading the team in tackles in the state semifinal against Happy.
But as on offense, Roberts (23 tackles, 2 sacks in the playoffs) and Ware (36 tackles, 1 interception in the playoffs) will be leaned upon by the Wildcats defensively as they seek to bring home their first-ever state title.
“Both [Roberts and Ware] are a big part of our success,” Westbrook head coach Homer Matlock said. “We will need them to perform well on both offense and defense. Our team is looking forward to an exciting game.”
Final Thoughts
From Harrell to Halk to Williford, May has several offensive weapons that can give Westbrook problems.
However, this Westbrook team is not only battle tested but it is also peaking at the right time after a 2-4 start to the season. The Wildcats will need a big game from Ware and Roberts on the ground to keep up with May’s high-flying offense.
May will be favored as it seeks to avenge last year’s loss, but Westbrook’s two wins over defending state champion Sterling City in recent weeks shows the Wildcats can hang with teams with big-time pedigree as they seek to bring home their first ever-state title.
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