One Reason to Root for Every 2025 State Finalist
Whether it be Frisco ISD's potential first UIL State Championship or Carthage's Scott Surratt coaching his senior son, Jett, there's reason to root for everyone.
A fitting send-off for a senior-heavy defense
The preseason expectations for Stephenville's defense were high with 10 returning starters. But surrendering just 9.5 points per game en route to a 15-0 season is absurd. Many of the principal figures on the Yellow Jackets' offense, like QB Trot Jordan and RB Zyler McClendon, will return next year. But this is the Stephenville faithful's final chance to see seniors like DL Kolton Dearth, LBs Caleb Taylor and Hudson Butchee, and many more.
Avenge a heartbreaking loss in State 7-on-7 Championship with the real crown
Kilgore has two revenge stories entering this year's state championship game. In 2024, the Bulldogs were blown out by Celina. This past summer at the State 7-on-7 Tournament, Kilgore suffered an overtime defeat to Frisco Panther Creek in the Division II State Championship. A third loss would be agonizing. A win would be cathartic.
The Jentsch Family Storyline
Dane Jentsch won back-to-back Offensive and Defensive MVPs in Grandview's 2018 and 2019 state championships, the only two titles in program history. Now he's a Grandview assistant coach with his father, Clint. His younger brother, current freshman Briggs, could play a huge factor in the program's third state title. Briggs is a Swiss-Army knife on offense as a wide receiver and running back, while showing shades of his older brother as a wildcat QB. Briggs also had a pivotal fourth-and-goal tackle in the state semifinal win over Peaster.
The Craziest Offensive Overhaul at State
Wall is one of the state's best passing offenses, headlined by QB Landon York's 3,868 yards, 57 touchdowns and six interceptions. That would be impressive anywhere, but it's almost absurd given the Hawks ran the flexbone veer for nearly two decades. Coach Craig Slaughter, the defensive coordinator from 2017-23, switched the offense when he took over for the legendary Houston Guy beginning in 2024. Wall is 28-2 since.
Drew Johnston's Family Ties
If you cut Johnston open, his blood would flow Newton purple. A Newton graduate, Johnston also spent eight years as the Eagles' defensive coordinator for his father, WT, making three state championships. When Drew was hired to replace a retiring WT, he became just the fifth head coach since 1975. This is Newton's first state championship under his reign.
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