It was a graveyard smash…
The Muenster Hornets and Shiner Comanches faced off in a physical and nail-biting UIL 2A Division II state championship at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday night. The game lived up to its billing as both teams traded blows in an intense battle, with Muenster emerging victorious, 36-29, to secure their second state title in school history.
First Half: A Tale of Trading Scores
Muenster opened the game with a bold statement, recovering an onside kick to take early momentum. Quarterback Casen Carney, the Hornets’ offensive leader all season, capitalized with a touchdown run just 1:46 into the game to give Muenster a 7-0 lead.
Shiner answered with their signature power running game, marching down the field methodically. On fourth-and-11, quarterback Carson Schuette connected with Jarvis Williams for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
Shiner is on the board! Touchdown!
Score:@ShinerISD – 7@Muenster_ISD -7#TXHSFB #Txhsfbplayoffs
4:11 left in 1st! pic.twitter.com/nHJvlYUbJ8— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 19, 2024
The Hornets responded quickly in the second quarter. Carney’s second rushing touchdown put Muenster back on top, 14-7. Shiner’s Quincy Jones electrified the crowd moments later with a 74-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 14. An onside kick attempt by Shiner failed, but their defense stepped up with a critical sack by Triston Vesely to slow Muenster’s next drive. However, Carney found his way to the end zone again, scoring his third touchdown for a 21-14 lead with 4:17 left in the half.
Shiner showed resilience as Clayton Fric broke free for a long touchdown run to tie the game at 21 going into halftime, seizing momentum after a late interception by their defense.
Second Half: Grit and Determination
Muenster opened the second half with a commanding drive, highlighted by a crucial fourth-and-1 conversion inside Shiner’s 10-yard line. Nolan Peel punched it in to give the Hornets a 28-21 lead with 5:44 left in the third quarter. Shiner answered with their own long drive, capped by a touchdown run from Schuette. Opting for a two-point conversion, Schuette powered into the end zone, giving Shiner their first lead, 29-28, heading into the final quarter.
The Muenster Cheerleader helping with the 3rd Quarter Update!
Score:@ShinerISD – 29@Muenster_ISD – 28#TXHSFB #Txhsfbplayoffs pic.twitter.com/gIh2V0gyb4
— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 19, 2024
Fourth Quarter: Defensive Brilliance
The fourth quarter turned into a defensive showcase as both teams refused to give an inch. Muenster’s defense stopped Shiner on a crucial drive, forcing a punt with 8:30 to play. The Hornets then drove deep into Shiner territory but were denied on a fourth-and-9, with Shiner’s defense holding strong.
Pinned at their own 1-yard line, Shiner managed little offensively, and Muenster’s defense forced another three-and-out. Starting inside Shiner’s 20-yard line with just over 3 minutes left, Muenster turned to Carney one more time. With 40 seconds remaining, Carney powered through the Comanche defense for his fourth touchdown, giving the Hornets a 34-29 lead. On the two-point conversion, Carney found Caden Klement to make it 36-29.
Touchdown Hornets with :40 seconds left in game!
Score:@ShinerISD – 29@Muenster_ISD – 34#TXHSFB #Txhsfbplayoffs pic.twitter.com/18k2u4btEG— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 19, 2024
Final Stand: Muenster Seals the Victory
Shiner’s final drive was filled with urgency, but Muenster’s defense held firm. With just 1 second remaining, Ethan Hinton intercepted a pass, clinching the Hornets’ second state championship and capping an unforgettable season.
Cason Carney was named the Offensive MVP
The Defensive MVP went to Triston Vesely from Shiner.
Legacy Solidified
Muenster’s victory showcased their balanced offense, gritty defense, and Carney’s all-around brilliance. The Hornets finished their season 14-2, solidifying their place among Texas high school football’s elite programs. For Shiner, the loss ended a remarkable season of resilience, as they proved once again why they’re perennial contenders in UIL competition.
The #TXHSFB 2A D2 State Champions the Muenster Hornets!@Muenster_ISD #txhsfbplayoffs #uilstate pic.twitter.com/Cf7gmDsQpv
— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 19, 2024
