Gunter (14-1) vs. Omaha Pewitt (14-1): 3A Division II UIL Football State Championship Preview

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GAME PREVIEW

Gunter advanced to its third state title game in the past four seasons in heart-stopping fashion on Friday in a game the state will be talking about for a long time. Bryson Rigsby became an instant legend for his tackle just shy of the goal line with no time left to preserve GHS’s 27-20 win over Canadian in the state semifinals. It capped a rally that began with Gunter down 17-3 late in the second quarter. Peyton Lowe’s two touchdown receptions in the fourth quarter keyed Gunter. Lowe finished with 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 63 yards to lead Gunter’s pistol offense.

Omaha Paul Pewitt has lived dangerously the past two weeks. The Brahmas also had to stop their opponent on the 1-yard line in the waning moments of the game to escape with a 24-18 win over East Bernard. The week before Pewitt trailed arch-rival Daingerfield 30-13 at halftime before rallying in the second half. Kadrien Johnson had a pair of second half touchdown runs to key Pewitt, which trailed 18-8 at halftime. The Brahmas defense was sensational in the red zone coming up with multiple key stops to turn East Bernard away from potential scoring opportunities, including a key stop inside their own 10 as time expired in the first half that gave Pewitt momentum heading into halftime.

Both teams love to run the ball, are physical and extremely fast on the defensive side of the ball. Even though the offensive systems are quite different, these two are very similar in profile. This one comes down to the little things: intangibles, coaching decisions and perhaps most importantly, how the big game atmosphere is handled at AT&T Stadium. That edge is with Gunter as the Tigers have played in the big atmosphere at the state championships. But there's something special about this Pewitt team that makes me think late in the game they make a play and pull off a slight upset. 

Stepp’s Pick: Omaha Pewitt by 1

- Matt Stepp

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

Gunter

Senior LB Bryson Rigsby (HUDL)

He made one of the most clutch tackles you will ever see at any level of football last week, keeping Gunter's championship hopes alive. Let's see what he does as an encore.

Senior RB/WR Peyton Lowe (HUDL)

Lowe, as he's done all season, did a little bit of everything last week with two touchdown receptions in the fourth quarter to go along with 63 rushing yards. He's the engine that makes this offense go.

Sophomore QB Hudson Graham (HUDL)

Graham isn't asked to throw the ball too much in this offense, but when he's done he usually makes it count. He's completed 21 of 27 passes for 350 yards and six touchdowns against only one INT. 

Omaha Pewitt

Junior RB Kadrien Johnson (HUDL)

Johnson upped his rushing TD total to 16 a week ago with two massive second half scores. He's averaging a remarkable 9.9 yards per carry this season. Good luck bringing him down.

SR QB Cross Holder (HUDL)

Holder has been nails all season long, using his legs to keep the offense moving (162 carries for 1,186 yards and 16 TDs) and using his arm when called upon in key situations (21 of 41 for 522 yards and 10 touchdowns against 1 INT).

SR RB Lajathen Allen (HUDL)

Allen has been flat out dominant this season rushing 233 times for 2,092 yards and 28 touchdowns. He's a stud and the workhorse of this offense with an average of 139.5 rushing yards per game. 

- William Wilkerson

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PREDICTIONS

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TEPPER'S PICK

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