ARLINGTON – The question on the minds of many people entering the Class 3A Division I state championship game revolved around how Malakoff would handle the slot-T offense of Franklin. 

Following the game, the conversation switched to asking how the Tigers defense shut down the potent attack of the Lions after a 14-7 defensive showcase at AT&T Stadium. Malakoff (16-0) earns the program’s first state championship in history in only their second appearance.

Franklin had the ball at their 49-yard line, trailing 14-7 with 6:37 remaining in regulation. The Lions methodically moved the ball down the field and converted a crucial fourth and one at the Tigers 21-yard line. That’s when the Malakoff defense stood tall, forcing the Lions to turn the ball over on downs following two pass attempts.

The Tigers allowed the potent Franklin offense to 224 total yards but was dominant on third down, with the Lions completing only three of 11 attempts in the contest. The Malakoff defense kept the Lions off the scoreboard until late in the third quarter. Parker Poteete was named Defensive Most Valuable Player after leading the Tigers with 13 tackles (6 solo) and one-half tackle for loss. 

While the Tigers defense stole the headlines, it was the offense of quarterback Mike Jones and wide receiver Chauncey Hogg that produced the points needed for Malakoff. Jones, named the Offensive MVP, completed 10 of 14 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns while adding 103 yards rushing on 21 attempts.

The Tigers got on the board in the first quarter when Hogg darted past the Franklin secondary to catch a 32-yard touchdown pass from Jones. Malakoff’s second touchdown resembled the first as Hogg once again ran past the Lions defense on a post route and Jones dropped a beautiful pass in the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead with 9:10 remaining in the third quarter.

Malakoff had opportunities in the first half to extend its lead but two fumbles, including one at the Franklin 13-yard line, kept the Tigers from adding points.