1A DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Rankin (12-2) vs. Gordon (13-0)

11 a.m. Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington

It’s dynasty versus upstart to kick off the 2025 UIL Texas high school football state championships in Arlington.

Gordon, the two-time defending state champion, is among the most dominant teams we’ve ever seen in six-man football, outscoring opponents by a staggering 666 points this season and playing only 33 of a possible 52 quarters by virtue of the 45-point mercy rule. This includes victories over Division II state finalist Richland Springs, TAPPS Division II state runner-up Fort Worth Covenant Classical, and Class 2A area finalist Thorndale — yes, an 11-man team. Between Army commit Ry Reed, Air Force commit Stryker Reed, and all-state receiver Brayden Walters, the Longhorns are absolutely loaded.

If they’re to become the third six-man team to three-peat, they’ll have to find a way past Rankin, which is among the more surprising state finalists in the field this year. Coach Garret Avalos’ Red Devils have been underdogs in three of their four playoff games, including their semifinal against unbeaten Water Valley. Yet the Rankin defense, led by Kash Cuellar, bowed its neck in a big way, and the emergence of Matthew Ramos at running back has been a revelation — he’s run for 427 yards and nine touchdowns in the last two games, filling in for the injured Jairo Cruz.

Gordon enters as a heavy favorite and with a chance to stake its claim as an all-time six-man team, but Rankin relishes the underdog role. If the Red Devils’ defense can hang in early, things could get interesting, but the Longhorns look headed for a three-peat.

Tepper’s Pick: Gordon by mercy rule

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rankin

ATH Matthew Ramos — The junior has stepped up huge in the vacuum caused by injury, now leading the team in both rushing and receiving; he is the engine that makes the Red Devils’ attack go.

ATH Gage Lopez — The passing threat for the Red Devils, he’s thrown for 18 touchdowns on just 89 pass attempts this season, and has also notched 80 tackles and 3 interceptions on defense.

Gordon

ATH Stryker Reed — The Air Force commit is one of the most dangerous players in Texas High school football, scoring 30 touchdowns on just 59 touches on the season.

ATH Ry Reed — The Army commit is a walking highlight reel — he’s got 16 rushing touchdowns, five receiving touchdowns and three kickoff returns for scores, plus 59 tackles and 4 interceptions.

- Tepper

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK