The Gordon Longhorns and Whiteface Antelopes met for the 2024 UIL 1A Six-Man Division I state championship at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, December 18th.
For Gordon, an appearance in the championship game was anticipated. The defending state champions entered as favorites to repeat, carrying a perfect 14-0 record and a dominant season that saw them outscore opponents with ease. Head coach Mike Reed’s squad aimed to solidify its status as a six-man powerhouse.
For Whiteface, the championship marked the program’s first-ever title game appearance. Head coach Clint Linman, no stranger to the big stage after leading McLean to two prior championship games, guided the Antelopes to a 14-0 season. Whiteface’s explosive offense, led by standout running back Ethan Kauffman, had been unstoppable throughout the playoffs.
The game began with Whiteface turning the ball over on downs during their first possession. Gordon capitalized quickly, with Stryker Reed scoring on a 17-yard touchdown run to make it 8-0 with 7:47 left in the first quarter. Whiteface’s struggles continued on their second drive, ending in another turnover on downs. On the next play, Stryker Reed threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to extend Gordon’s lead to 16-0.
Touchdown Longhorns!
Score 16-0 Longhorns#TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/kEWPdbfEDn— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 18, 2024
Whiteface responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Ethan Kauffman, cutting the lead to 16-8. However, Gordon’s Aiden Shank returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 22-8. On Whiteface’s next drive, Isaak Soliz broke free on a trick play but was stripped by Brayden Walters near the goal line. Stryker Reed recovered the fumble, and a few plays later, he connected with Noah Kostiha for a 66-yard touchdown pass, making it 28-8.
Whiteface answered with another Kauffman touchdown run to make it 28-16, but Ry Reed’s 35-yard touchdown run extended Gordon’s lead to 36-16 with 2:55 left in the first quarter. The second quarter opened with Whiteface’s Jeremiah Rendon scoring on 4th down, narrowing the gap to 36-24. Gordon responded immediately, as Ry Reed broke loose for another 35-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 44-24.
On Whiteface’s next possession, Kaden Crowe intercepted a pass, setting up Gordon for another scoring opportunity. After Crowe’s knee was down for 1-2 seconds, he was hit late with a helmet-to-helmet collision by Jeremiah Rendon, who was ejected for the play.
Targeting with 1:36 left in half!
Jeremiah Rendon ejected#TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/PVk9dbipqm— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 18, 2024
Despite the incident, Crowe was able to pop tight back up and continue playing. Shortly after, Stryker Reed connected with Brayden Walters for a long touchdown pass, pushing Gordon’s lead to 64-24 at halftime.
Gordon opened the second half with a touchdown run by Stryker Reed, extending the lead to 70-24 and activating the mercy rule to end the game.
Walk off Touchdown by @thestrykerreed
Final Score 70-24
The Longhorns are back to back 1A D1 Champions #TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/urqrMzYm2Z— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 18, 2024
Stryker Reed was named the 1A Division I Offensive MVP for his all-around performance, while Ry Reed (not related) earned Defensive MVP honors. With the victory, Gordon completed a perfect 15-0 season, cementing their legacy as one of the top programs in six-man football.
Gordon Longhorns 1A D1 Back-to-Back State Champions!
After the win Defensive MVP Ry Reed and Offensive MVP Stryker Reed post game interview! #TXHSFB #uilstate @RyReed_2 @thestrykerreed pic.twitter.com/qhfxSEUWhs— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 18, 2024
