If you like offense, this is the game for you. Two of the best six-man backs in the state will meet up as Benjamin’s Grayson Rigdon goes head-to-head against Oglesby’s Kyler Fossett.
There will be no shortage of speed or athleticism in this game. Kick off is set for Wednesday at 2:00
Here’s what to watch for in the 1A Division II State Championship.
Benjamin Mustangs (14-0)
Head Coach: Nathan Hayes
Distance to AT&T Stadium: 195 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 52-6 vs. Motley County
Area: W 112-84 vs. Newcastle
Regional Final: W 85-40 vs. Jayton
State Semifinal: W 52-4 vs. Klondike
Key Players and Storylines
Can Grayson Rigdon go back-to-back-to-back? After leading Strawn to the 2021 state title, he transferred to Benjamin and helped bring the Mustangs home their first-ever state title in 2022.
Benjamin has been riding high again this year. 13 of its 14 victories have come by mercy rule. The lone game that went the distance was its 112-84 win over Newcastle back in the area round.
Rigdon is the lifeblood of this team offensively. He’s racked up 2,402 yards and 49 touchdowns on the ground and also thrown for 1,244 yards and 19 touchdowns. In the win over Klondike, he rushed for 323 yards and six touchdowns on just eight carries. Truly video game stuff.
No. 1 Benjamin advances past No. 5 Klondike!@uiltexas | #TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/JC47E8yqbD
— BallySportsTXHS (@BallySportsTXHS) December 3, 2023
When it’s not Rigdon, head coach Nathan Hayes’ two sons have been having quite the seasons, especially defensively. Teegan Hayes, a junior, and Keegan Hayes, a freshman, lead Benjamin at linebacker and are the Mustangs’ top two tacklers defensively.
Offensively, Keegan (796 passing yards, 699 rushing yards, 637 receiving yards) is second-in-command to Rigdon. Tight end Weston Weatherford (415 receiving yards and nine touchdowns) is Benjamin’s other threat in its passing attack.
Every week, Rigdon is doing something special. He and his teammates will certainly be tested this week though against an Oglesby defense giving up just over 14 points per game.
Oglesby Tigers (13-0)
Head Coach: Jeb Dixon
Distance to AT&T Stadium: 129 miles
2023 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 60-14 vs. Walnut Springs
Area: W 60-14 vs. Oakwood
Regional Final: W 62-16 vs. Iredell
State Semifinal W 62-48 vs. Richland Springs
Key Players and Storylines
Wednesday will mark Oglesby’s first-ever appearance in a state title game.
If the Tigers want to bring home their first-ever state title, they’re going to need a big game from running back Kyler Fossett (2,612 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns). He rushed for 284 yards and five touchdowns in the semifinals.
The Tigers do have EJ Aviles (733 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns) when Fossett needs to be spelled. And if they do need a big play through the air, keep an eye on receiver Landon Williamson (716 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns). He caught a 78-yard touchdown from quarterback Hunter Walter against Richland Springs.
Williamson is a key player defensively too (96 total tackles and three interceptions). Up front, Jack Hendricks will anchor the unit. He’s Oglesby’s second-leading tackler so far this year behind Williamson.
Even though his team is undefeated on the season, Oglesby head coach Jeb Dixon said he feels like they have yet to put together a complete performance. He said they’ll need to execute in all three phases on Wednesday if they want to give themselves a shot at knocking off the defending state champs.
Final Thoughts
Dixon also said that special teams and turnovers will play a big role in the outcome of this game.
When you have two talented backs like Fossett and Rigdon that can score on any play, every possession will be crucial.
Neither team can afford to gift the other opportunities in what should be an intriguing matchup on Wednesday afternoon.
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