North Crowley delivered a dominant performance to defeat Austin Westlake 50-21 in the 6A Division I State Championship on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium, capping off a perfect season. The Panthers overwhelmed the Chaparrals with explosive plays, physicality, and a relentless offensive attack, earning their second state title and their first since 2003.
The Panthers wasted no time establishing their dominance. On the game’s opening play, quarterback Chris Jimerson Jr. executed a perfectly timed flea-flicker, connecting with star receiver Quentin Gibson for a 75-yard touchdown.
BOOM! Panthers Touchdown!
1st play of game 75-ud TD @ChrisJimersonJ1 to @Qfor6ix @Westlake_Nation – 0@NorthCro_FB – 7#TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/LogTx1c8se— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 22, 2024
Westlake responded with a scoring drive, capped by a short touchdown run from Grady Bartlett to tie the game at 7.
Chaps @GradyBartlett12 twists into the end zone
for the Touchdown
Score:@Westlake_Nation – 7@NorthCro_FB – 7#TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/9LCALUYE8G— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 22, 2024
From that point forward, North Crowley seized momentum and dictated the game.
Jimerson showcased his dual-threat ability on the Panthers’ next possession, breaking free for a dazzling 44-yard touchdown run.
It’s a 44-yd QB keeper for the speedy @ChrisJimersonJ1
Score:@Westlake_Nation – 7@NorthCro_FB – 14#TXHSFB #UILState
7:25 left in 1st pic.twitter.com/3BXNEZTEx4— Taylor Arenz (@taylorarenz) December 22, 2024
The North Crowley defense then stepped up, forcing Westlake to turn the ball over. Jimerson struck again, hitting Gibson for his second touchdown reception. Before halftime. Jimerson found Daniel Bray on a 44-yard scoring pass, his third touchdown pass in the first half, to extend the Panthers’ lead to 28-7 at the break.
In the second half, North Crowley continued their offensive onslaught. After a long drive, Bray punched in a one-yard touchdown run to make it 35-7. Westlake briefly responded with a one-yard scoring run from quarterback Rees Wise, but the Panthers immediately answered. On the next play, running back Cornelius Warren III broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run, and a successful two-point conversion pushed the lead to 43-14.
Westlake’s offense managed one final touchdown in the fourth quarter, aided by penalties, but North Crowley delivered the final blow. Jimerson connected with Gibson for their third touchdown combination of the game, sealing the victory. Jimerson finished with 299 passing yards, four touchdowns, and 63 rushing yards. Gibson was unstoppable, tallying 181 yards and three touchdowns on seven receptions.
The Panthers amassed over 600 yards of total offense while their defense stifled the Chaparrals for much of the night. Westlake, despite entering the game with a storied history and championship aspirations, couldn’t keep pace with North Crowley’s speed and precision.
With this victory, North Crowley not only completed a perfect 16-0 season but also brought the UIL’s largest-classification championship back to Fort Worth for the first time in 75 years. The Panthers’ performance solidified their status as one of the best high school football teams in the nation and a true powerhouse in Texas.
