Richland Springs has been a six-man football dynasty under the direction of head coach Jerry Burkhart, earning nine state titles under his two tenures from 2003-2017 and from 2019 onwards. The Coyotes looked well on their way to another state title game appearance up 45-34 heading into the fourth thanks to four total touchdowns from Landon Burkhart and two more from Zane Capps.
The game looked even further secure with just under eight minutes to go as Jadeyn Bryant returned a fumble 45 yards for a Coyote score to extend his team’s lead to 53-34. Strawn wasn’t done just yet though as a three-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Garcia was followed by a 26-yard touchdown pass from Kadin Parsons to Kyler Tunnell to cut the deficit to 53-50 with just three minutes to go. Richland Springs looked like it had sealed the game though just a minute later as Capps broke free for a 23-yard touchdown for his third score of the night, extending the Coyotes lead to a nine point advantage. Yet again, the Greyhounds responded as Luke Eli scored his fifth touchdown on the night as he took a screen pass 17 yards to the house to put Strawn back within three, 59-56, with just over a minute remaining.
A huge twist followed as Eli then came up with a huge defensive interception on the ensuing Coyote possession on fourth down to give the Greyhounds one last prayer. The Greyhounds knocked on the door of the Richland Springs end zone, but, on the final play of the game, Eli was forced out of bounds eight yards short of the end zone, preserving a thrilling 59-56 victory for Richland Springs. This victory means the Coyotes will play for their record 10th state title next Wednesday against Balmorhea at the famous home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium.
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