China Spring’s quest to capture the program’s first state championship in 43 years reached its final step after the Cougars devoured the Cuero Gobblers 34-9 Friday at Kelly Reeves Stadium in Round Rock.
China Spring (15-0) dominated every facet of the Class 4A Division II state semifinal contest and led 20-3 at halftime before tacking on two more touchdowns in the final 24 minutes to cement the one-sided win.
The Cougars’ defense stifled Cuero (13-2) throughout the game and limited the Gobblers’ signature explosive plays. Meanwhile, China Spring began to gain momentum on offense using its rushing attack and nearly went over 200 yards on the ground during the first half alone.
Senior Isaiah Williams drew first blood for the Cougars when he took a pitch and motored 20 yards for a first-quarter TD. China Spring added a short field goal from Thomas Barr that was later answered by Cuero, which trailed 10-3 in the second period.
The Cougars answered with a lengthy drive that was capped by quarterback Major Bowden. The senior found a seam in the Cuero defense and exploited it en route to a 14-yard scoring run prior to halftime.
Bowden added a second TD run — this one from 4 yards away — to increase China Spring’s edge to 27-3 in the third quarter. The Cougars tacked on a 4-yard rushing score from Jaeden Davis down the stretch, while the Gobblers got a cosmetic TD late on a 68-yard pass from Jerry Rossett to Exavier Durham.
China Spring’s offense kept Cuero on the sidelines for much of the game and converted 17 of its 20 first downs on running plays while averaging more than 6 yards per rushing attempt.
Williams led the charge with 174 yards and one TD on just 14 carries and Bowden added 67 yards and a pair of scores.
Head coach Brian Bell’s Cougars will meet Gilmer (14-1) at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium to battle for the 4A-II state championship. The Buckeyes fell 70-14 to Carthage during last season’s 4A-II title game.
Kickoff between China Spring and Gilmer is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17.
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