There weren’t many dry eyes on the Texarkana Pleasant Grove sideline after the Class 4A Division II State Championship Game on Friday afternoon. Every bit of the “Heart and Soul” written on the back of their jerseys came out in an emotional 35-21 win over Wimberley. At the forefront was head coach Josh Gibson, who lost it multiple times while embracing his players.

The win was Pleasant Grove’s second championship in three years and three straight championship game appearances, which puts the East Texas program in rarified air. Only a historic performance from Jordan Whittington kept the Hawks from pulling off an elusive threepeat. 

Pleasant Grove had zero state championship game appearances before Gibson. 

“Especially as a young coach, this was always our goal,” Gibson said. “We talked about it right off the get-go. But to go back three times in a row, it says a lot more about these guys. You’ve got to have great coaches and great administration that supports you and gives you the tools to get here and you have to have buy in.” 

Even while dealing with injuries, Pleasant Grove put together a sensational performance. Senior running back Bruce Garrett posted 254 yards and three touchdowns in a career effort. K.J. Hicks posted 88 yards on the ground. Defensive linemen Cameron Weekly and Marcus Burris combined for 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. 

But when it comes to credit for turning the program into a consistent state contender, his players think Gibson sells himself short. 

“It starts with Coach Gibson coming to Pleasant Grove,” quarterback Ben Harmon said. “I’ve gone to the games since I was a little kid. We didn’t have all that success when we were young. When he came in, he had a mindset and a vision. If you buy in with him and all of them buy in, you’re going to find success.” 

His arrival six years ago marked a new period of success for the program. Over the past three years, Pleasant Grove has gone a combined 44-4. The seniors, who have been in Pleasant Grove’s pipeline for all six seasons since Gibson arrived, feel the difference. 

“Everyone was behind us,” senior cornerback Sergio Rodriguez said. “He changed the culture in our town, in Texarkana. Everyone trusted in him no matter what he decided to do. Everyone was behind him.”

That respect transcends the community and pushes its way into the coaching community. Even in loss, Wimberley coach Doug Warren raved about what Gibson has accomplished. 

“Going to the title game is tough,” Wimberley coach Doug Warren said. “You get here three years in a row and that’s an unbelievable feat. Just talking to him a little bit this week, I can tell why he’s been able to establish his program. These kids play so hard. Top to bottom, they’ve got a top-notch program.” 

After two state championships in his six seasons as head coach, it’s time to recognize Josh Gibson for what he is: One of the truly elite coaches in Texas high school football. 

“One day, I’m going to come coach for him and learn a lot from him,” Harmon said. “Our relationship is never going to be over.”