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GAME PREVIEW

It’s pretty rare to see a regular season rematch in the state title games, but 3A Division I is delivering our second rematch in three years. Jim Ned and Hallettsville played in a hastily scheduled neutral site game in Llano on October 2 when Jim Ned came out on top 24-21. Can the Indians do it again and win their first state title or is it Hallettsville who brings home the crown? RB Xavier Wishert’s touchdown run with 4:34 left proved to be the difference in an absolute nail-biter over Mount Vernon; Jim Ned's defense forced two turnovers on the final two Mt Vernon possessions as well. Wishert was huge, but QB Tate Yardley was efficient in spreading the football around and that Jim Ned offensive line, especially in the first half, totally controlled the tempo. Hallettsville got another monster performance from Texas commit RB Jonathon Brooks, as the senior ran for 301 yards and 6 touchdowns, picked off two passes, returned one for a touchdown and averaged over 40 yards per punt as the Brahmas rolled past Llano, 53-28. Brooks has been just a monster all season, but he’s hit a different level in the playoffs; he ran for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns in the third round and then 200 yards and a TD and the game-winning punt return for a TD in their 4th round win. Hallettsville starts with Brooks, but there are other playmakers who can do some good things, including QB Trace Patek and WR/DB Damani Hartwell, who had a punt return for a touchdown last week. Both teams have elite running backs who draw a lot of attention, but it’s going to be the supporting casts who play a major role in deciding the outcome. Look for this one to be close all the way through. But when it matters most, Brooks makes the plays needed to lift his team to their first state title. 

Stepp’s Pick: Hallettsville by 4

- Matt Stepp

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tuscola Jim Ned

RB/LB Xavier Wishert – Jim Ned’s workhorse back will understandably be overshadowed by Hallettsville’s Jonathon Brooks in the buildup to this game, but don’t lose sight of the 2,000-yard rushing Wishert. Wishert’s as hard of a runner as they come with explosiveness. He’ll also be the key to slowing down Brooks on defense.

WR/DB Zach Henderson – If Hallettsville get on top early, Jim Ned’s pass-catch leader will factor into the game a lot more. But he might be a bigger factor on defense in being one of the last lines of defense against the Brahmas’ pass attempts and sealing the edge against Brooks.

TE/DE Austin Martin – Jim Ned’s constant motor on defense and leader in tackles for loss (23) and sacks (6) will be crucial in containing Hallettsville’s rushing attack and getting to the quarterback in third down situations.

Hallettsville

RB Jonathon Brooks – What more can be said about the Texas commit that hasn’t already been seen first-hand? Brooks often looks unfair running against peer athletes with his combination of vision and movement. He surpassed 3,000 yards and 60 touchdowns as of the state semifinal game in which he ran for 500 yards against Llano.

Hallettsville’s OL – It should be allowed for Hallettsville to have both Jonathon Brooks and a punishing offensive line, but here we are. The Brahmas’ bigs up front have been clearing lanes for their star running back all season and will be the unsung reason Hallettsville take home its first-ever state title.

QB Trace Patek – Just when teams start to stack eight or nine in the box to key in on Brooks, Patek’s ability to see quick reads in the passing game becomes more deadly. Some of Hallettsville’s biggest plays have come off RPOs and play actions.

KEY MATCHUPS

Hallettsville OL vs. Jim Ned Front Seven

When Hallettsville takes the field on offense, everyone knows what’s going to happen. Jim Ned needs the pieces in that front group to step up and win their battles and limit the Hallettsville run game. If Austin Martin and the Jim Ned front gets lost, Jonathan Brooks will run wild. 

Jim Ned vs. 3rd Down

Few teams in the state are quite as good at converting 3rd-and-medium as Jim Ned thanks to the precise arm of QB Tate Yardley. However, playing within the margins can be a fickle game against talented opponents. Can the trend continue? Jim Ned needs to keep Hallettsville’s offense off the field and put together extended drives. 

- Shehan Jeyarajah

PREDICTIONS

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