Super Bowl LIX is set to bring the spotlight back to two of Texas’ finest high school football products, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. These former Lone Star State standouts are squaring off in the NFL’s biggest game for the second time in three seasons, rekindling the story of their first Super Bowl clash where Mahomes and the Chiefs beat Hurts and the Eagles, 38-35, in Super Bowl LVII. Mahomes won Super Bowl LVII MVP, but Hurts had an all-time great game with 304 yards passing, 70 yards rushing, and 4 TDs.
From Texas High Schools to NFL Stardom
Patrick Mahomes, hailing from Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, Texas, was a multi-sport star who dazzled as a quarterback, baseball pitcher, and basketball player. During his senior year, Mahomes passed for 4,619 yards and 50 touchdowns, adding 948 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground. His arm strength and athleticism, honed on the diamond and hardwood, translated seamlessly to the gridiron. After committing to Texas Tech, he built a reputation as a gunslinger, which eventually led to his selection by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Jalen Hurts attended Channelview High School in Channelview, Texas, where his father coached the football team. Hurts passed for 2,384 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior while rushing for 1,391 yards and 25 scores. A dual-threat from the start, Hurts was also a powerlifter, squatting 500 pounds as a sophomore. The Alabama commit became a key figure in college football before transferring to Oklahoma, where he further cemented himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country.
How They Got Here
The Kansas City Chiefs reached their fifth Super Bowl in six seasons with a hard-fought 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship. Mahomes delivered in clutch moments, scoring two rushing touchdowns—the first time in his career he’s done so in one playoff game—and adding another through the air. The Chiefs’ defense came up big late, stopping the Bills on critical third and fourth downs to seal the win.
On the NFC side, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship. Hurts accounted for three rushing touchdowns and threw for 246 yards and another score. The Eagles’ offense was unstoppable, powered by Saquon Barkley’s three touchdowns and a stellar defense that forced four turnovers. The win marked the Eagles’ second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons.
Round Two: Mahomes vs. Hurts
When these two quarterbacks faced off in Super Bowl LVII, the game was an instant classic. Mahomes led the Chiefs to victory with a gutsy performance, earning MVP honors. Hurts, however, delivered one of the best games in Super Bowl history, throwing for 304 yards, rushing for 70, and scoring four total touchdowns. Both quarterbacks showcased the elite talent that Texas high school football often produces.
Now, the stakes are even higher. Mahomes is chasing a third Super Bowl title in four years, furthering his case as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. Hurts, on the other hand, aims to secure his first Super Bowl ring and cap off a season where he overcame injuries to lead the Eagles back to the championship stage.
A Legacy of Texas High School Football Excellence
This matchup highlights the unparalleled talent that Texas high school football consistently produces. Whether it’s Mahomes’ cannon of an arm honed at Whitehouse or Hurts’ unmatched work ethic developed in Channelview, both quarterbacks embody the grit and determination synonymous with the Lone Star State.
As Mahomes and Hurts lead their teams onto the field in New Orleans, the Super Bowl will feel like a homecoming for Texas football fans. It’s a showdown between two of the best quarterbacks in the game, both representing the proud tradition of Texas high school football on the grandest stage. Buckle up—it’s going to be a game to remember.
