The Gunter Tigers delivered a defensive masterpiece to secure a 28-0 victory over the Woodville Eagles in the UIL 3A Division II state championship at AT&T Stadium. The win marked Gunter’s third consecutive state title, cementing their dynasty and showcasing their trademark physicality on both sides of the ball.
Defensive Battle Defines the First Half
The first quarter was a defensive slugfest, with neither team able to gain significant momentum. Woodville started strong, reaching midfield on their opening drive before being forced to punt. Gunter’s offense, led by quarterback Preston Tarpley, also struggled early, backed up by penalties and thwarted by Woodville’s aggressive defensive front. Jaythan Traylor recorded a critical sack for Woodville, forcing a Gunter punt.
Major Thornhill, playing through a high ankle sprain, kept Gunter’s defense dominant with a sack that halted Woodville’s second drive. Both teams traded punts throughout the first quarter, with Gunter’s defense holding firm and Woodville’s Gage Tolar consistently flipping field position with excellent punts.
The defensive stalemate was finally broken early in the second quarter. Gunter capitalized on a strong 34-yard punt return to set up a scoring opportunity. Tarpley connected with tight end Cole Harpell for an 18-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 10:06 remaining in the first half.
Gunter with the first TD of the game!
Score 7-0 Tigers@gunter_football @Gunter_ISD pic.twitter.com/3TLTktDnC7— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 19, 2024
Woodville responded with a promising drive, but Gunter’s defense once again forced a punt. A dropped interception by Woodville and a sack by Dwayne Koenig kept Gunter from adding to their lead before halftime. The game remained 7-0 heading into the break.
Gunter Strikes Early in the Second Half
The Tigers wasted no time extending their lead in the second half. Mitchell Gage electrified the crowd with a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown on the opening play, pushing Gunter’s lead to 14-0.
The Tigers open up the second with a kick off return!
Score:@WoodvilleFball – 0@gunter_football – 14#TXHSFB #UILstate pic.twitter.com/uKmubqsoO5— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 19, 2024
Woodville’s offense faced further adversity when quarterback Luke Babin briefly exited the game with an injury, though he returned after one play. However, the Eagles were unable to move the ball consistently, as Hayden Farrell recorded another sack to force a punt.
Gunter struck again with 8:57 remaining in the third quarter, as Tarpley connected with Cash Rumage on a 59-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 21-0. Woodville’s defense responded with a key interception by James Kelley, but the Eagles’ offense failed to capitalize, going three-and-out on their ensuing drive.
Preston Tarpley connects with Cash Rumage on a 59-yard bomb! Touchdown!
Score 21-0 @gunter_football pic.twitter.com/oKwBwM0XXJ— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 19, 2024
Dominant Defense Seals the Victory
The fourth quarter continued Gunter’s defensive dominance. Hayden Farrell delivered another critical sack early in the period, and with 6:48 remaining, Brock Boddie intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, effectively sealing the game with a 28-0 lead.
Both defenses stood strong for the remainder of the game, as neither team managed to find the end zone again. Gunter’s relentless defense, anchored by Farrell, Thornhill, and Boddie, overwhelmed Woodville and ensured the shutout victory.
A Championship Legacy
Gunter’s performance showcased their well-rounded excellence. The Tigers’ “Black Flag” defense suffocated Woodville’s offense, while their special teams and explosive plays provided the offensive spark needed to secure the title. With their third straight championship, Gunter has solidified their place as one of Texas high school football’s premier programs.
