_____

GAME PREVIEW

We could see some major fireworks on Thursday with two of the state’s most explosive teams going at it.

Hamlin avenged a regular season loss to Stratford by flipping the script in the state semifinals on the Elks in a lopsided 56-23 victory. Hamlin was plagued by turnovers in its regular season loss to Stratford. This time around, the Pied Pipers forced seven turnovers to race out to a 35-7 halftime lead. Austin Lozano, Hamlin’s 290-pound fullback/tight end, had two touchdown receptions and ran for 38 yards on just two carries, while Jevon Williams ran for 232 yards and a pair of touchdowns. DB Austin Brown had the game of his life picking off FOUR Stratford passes.

Hamlin’s challenge this week is massive as it tangles with two-time defending state champion Mart, who, since dropping to 2A Division II, has been on an absolute reign of terror. The Panthers haven’t played a team from Division II closer than 20 points the last two years; that was last week’s 28-8 win over previously unbeaten Falls City. Kevin Hoffman’s squad has shown incredible dominance and they’ll look to make it three in a row this week. In last week’s 28-8 victory over a tough Falls City bunch, four different Panthers found the end zone and Mart made Falls City pay for mistakes. Mart raced out to a 22-0 lead at halftime thanks to touchdown runs from Roddrell Freeman and Dillon Lundy and a 39-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Martin to DeMarion Medlock. Mart’s offense hit a lull in the second half, but the Panthers had a comfortable lead and handed things over to its speedy defense.

The key matchup in this one is Hamlin’s defense as they try and contain some of the most dynamic skill players in all of Texas at the 2A level. Hamlin’s defense is fast, but Mart’s speed is at a different level. If the Pipers can keep Mart (specifically Roddrell Freeman) hemmed in, the Pipers have a chance to win a state title in their first ever appearance. But that will be easier said than done. Mart looks to be on track for a third consecutive title and adding to its legacy as one of the state’s great small school dynasties. 

Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 13

- Matt Stepp

_____

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mart

Junior RB/DE Roddrell Freeman (HUDL)

Easily the best athlete on the field for either team, and one of the most dominant in all of 2A. Mart’s running attack will filter through the junior 1,900 -yard rusher and he’ll find himself involved in every big play on the other end as well.

Senior QB/DB Kyler Martin (HUDL)

Martin missed last season’s state championship run after going down with an injury, but he had the Panther offense fully under his command before he did. His numbers aren’t gaudy, but coach Kevin Hoffman will tell anyone that having Martin back is a big reason why Mart’s in position for a threepeat.

Senior G/LB Tonny Sanchez-Yanez (HUDL)

One of the few seniors on this year’s Mart team, Sanchez-Yanez is a big presence on both sides. The senior paves the way for the Panthers’ running attack but is also the team’s leading tackler with over 130 on the season and is in the mix during every play on that side of the ball. 

Hamlin

Senior WR/S Jevon Williams (HUDL)

Hamlin’s top playmaker won’t jump off the page at 5-foot-8, but he’s the Pied Pipers’ superstar. Williams needs a big game if Hamlin is going to hoist the title as the Pied Pipers’ leading rusher (1,451 yards), second-leading receiver 596 yards), interceptions leader (7) and one of the team’s leading tacklers (105 total).

Junior QB/K Braydin Warner (HUDL)

Hamlin’s ability to stretch the field on offense could be a big game-changer and its junior signal caller is more than capable having started since his freshman season. Warner’s completed just over 65 percent of his throws and has 29 touchdowns to just four interceptions this year.

Junior T/DL Ethan Byerly (HUDL)

Hamlin’s sack leader also has 21 tackles for loss this season and needs to be a difference maker in order to disrupt a powerful Mart rushing attack. If Byerly finds himself in the backfield Thursday afternoon, Hamlin will be in business.

- Ish Johnson

_____

PREDICTIONS

_____

TEPPER'S PICK

_____

Become a DCTF Insider today for exclusive insight from the best team of reporters in the Lone Star State! CLICK HERE!

Your subscription will include:

• Instant access to all of our content that is marked Insider at www.texasfootball.com.
  • Includes exclusive podcasts, recruiting news, and our full High School Football rankings and score predictors
• A mailed copy of the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Preview 
• A mailed copy of the Recruiting/Rising Edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• Access to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football vast array of archived magazines