Richland Springs becomes first program in state history to win 9 state titles

ARLINGTON - -Richland Springs rode its defense to become the first school to win nine UIL state titles with a 62-16 rout of Motley County.

The title was also coach Jerry Burkhart’s ninth, tying Gordon Wood. Burkhart’s have all come as Richland Springs’ coach since 2004.

“I don’t look at records,” Burkhart said. “It’s not about me. It’s about this group and every team we’ve ever had. The teams that buy into hard work.”

The Coyotes (14-0) did the hard work of slowing down Motley County sophomore running back Jake Richards, who came into the game with 3,903 yards, which set a state six-man record. Richards rushed for a game-high 178 yards to top the 4,000-yard plateau, but he couldn’t get free enough against a swarming defense.

“We tackled well,” Burkhart said. “Our kids knew what they needed to do and they got it done. Offense can win games and sell tickets, but you win championships with defense. I’m very proud of our defense.”

The Coyotes held the Matadors scoreless until Richards broke free for a 62-yard run midway through the second quarter and made six fourth-down stops. The Coyotes also sacked Motley County quarterback Demetric Sims twice and harassed him into completing just three of 13 passes.

Motley County coach Mike Bigham said untimely penalties hampered his team early, something that couldn’t happen if the Matadors (11-4) were going to push the Coyotes.

“We got caught behind the chains early, and we weren’t making stops against a team that is just loaded,” Bigham said. “That team is hard to beat.”

While its defense shined, Richland Springs won the title with plenty of offense as well. Landon Burkhart, Matthew Rigdon and Lane Shannon combined to score all eight Coyotes’ touchdowns, and both Burkhart and Rigdon rushed for more than 100 yards. Rigdon ran for two third-quarter touchdowns, including a 60-yarder, and Shannon’s 31-yard run invoked the 45-point rule and ended the game.

“Our kids believed in themselves,” Burkhart said. “They felt the mojo and had the swag going. It was a Coyote day today.”

And a Coyote season. One that started with the challenge of blending some returning players with a host of newcomers ended with a celebration at AT&T Stadium.

“We all became one,” Landon Burkhart said. “We had to learn that there is no room for me if we are going to be us.”

“It’s a storybook finish for us,” Richland Springs senior Massiah Clardy said.

- Jay Plotkin

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