1A DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Jayton (14-0) vs. Richland Springs (12-1)

2 p.m. Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington

For six-man football fans, there’s a special meaning to this meeting, with two of the most decorated programs in Class 1A going at it for the state championship. Richland Springs is Texas’ six-man program of record, with nine state championships under its belt; Jayton is no slouch itself, making its sixth title game appearance and seeking its fourth title (and second straight). The fact that it’s these two programs’ first-ever meeting makes this even more tantalizing.

For Richland Springs, it’s a return to the state championship stage after a four-year absence — their longest title game drought of this century. The name of the game for the Coyotes is defense (ranking third in scoring defense in all of UIL six-man football) and offensive diversity, with a bevy of weapons that can take it the distance on any touch, whether it’s Billy Perry, Cohen Ethridge, Ethan Deeds, or Layne Ward.

Defending champ Jayton is the No. 2 scoring defense in the state, allowing just 11.2 points per game behind lockdown defenders like Colt Gentry. Sean Stanaland — son of head coach Josh Stanaland — triggers the offense, and there’s a distinct balance to their attack through the air and on the ground with Bode Ham. This is one of the more evenly matched state title games the Class 1A ranks have seen in recent years, and it could be a low-scoring, nip-and-tuck affair. But Jayton’s been on this stage before, and that feels like the difference between two exceptional ballclubs.

Tepper’s Pick: Jayton by 11

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jayton

ATH Colt Gentry — The reigning state championship game Defensive MVP is the heartbeat of the Jayton defense, which leads all of 1A Division II in scoring defense.

ATH Sean Stanaland — The son of coach Josh Stanaland, he’s the triggerman of the Jaybirds offense and also the team’s leading tackler; he was the state title game offensive MVP last season.

Richland Springs

ATH Cohen Ethridge — The Ethridge name has a lot of cache in Richland Springs, and Cohen is the latest superstar from the family; you’ll see him do a little bit of everything for the Coyotes.

ATH Billy Perry — He’s a star edge-rusher on one of six-man football’s best defenses, and he’s taken on an even bigger role in the offense during this state title game run.

- Tepper

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK