The Aledo Bearcats captured the Class 5A Division II State Championship inside AT&T Stadium , defeating the Calallen Wildcats 24-16. They not only completed a perfect season, but they put on a rushing clinic for the ages.
Running back Jase McClellan will be the star as far as headlines go after surpassing 1,500 rushing yards on the year and reaching 20 touchdowns, but it would not be the freshman turning as many heads of coaches at the next level. That would be the job of offensive lineman Chuck Filiaga, who was the unsung hero of the Bearcat line in Arlington.
The senior, who checks in at 6-6 and 335 pounds, was not just noticeable due to his size, but the versatile Filiaga sprung the likes of McClellan and protecting the blindside of Dillon Davis. With his size, Filiaga time and time again manhandle Wildcat after Wildcat and impressed the likes of Jim Harbaugh of Michigan and newly hired Longhorns boss, Tom Herman.
The 4-star recruit must have felt larger than life having even posed with Harbaugh for a picture, with many speculating that the Wolverines are high on the list of the Bearcat’s list of suitors. Apart from the Longhorns, other schools in the running to lock up Filiaga include: Oklahoma, USC, and even Texas schools Baylor and TCU.
Filiaga, who said he would narrow his selection down to three schools before the All-American Bowl in San Antonio on January 7, will have much attention heading into his decision.
As for now, the senior can enjoy the holiday season enjoying the fact that he played a vital part in the fact that Aledo won their seventh state title with an undefeated 16-0 season.
Wherever this prep all-star lands come January, he will be providing his new school with a tough work ethic that lead to winning results. The senior showcased great ability on the offensive line in a stadium very familiar with that kind of production on the ground and in protection. The state of Texas may just have gotten a glimpse of a star on his way to greatness.
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