Muenster (13-2) vs. Shiner (15-0), 11 a.m. Thursday at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium

It’s a rematch of last year’s thriller where Muenster pulled out a touchdown victory over a young Shiner squad that many thought was a year early in their return to the state title game.

Muenster showed their championship fight on the road in Canyon with a 21-18 slugfest win over Gruver.

Casen Carney’s 71-yard touchdown pass to Clayton Cunningham early in the fourth quarter combined with a stout late defensive effort was the difference for the Hornets, who struggled with miscues and a tough Gruver defense all night.

Speaking of defense, Shiner’s put on an incredible performance in slowing down Mount Enterprise and record-setting RB Kaegan Ash in a 28-8 win. Ash did get to the 90-yard mark to set the state career rushing record, but Shiner’s defense was the story in holding him out of the end zone.

Shiner's defense has been on another level by allowing just 14 total points the past two weeks. RB Quincy Jones ran for two scores and also had an interception for the Comanches, who raced out to a 20-0 lead in the second quarter and suffocated Mount Enterprise the rest of the way.

Shiner QB Jarvis Williams was a freshman in last year's game between these two teams, but he made a big impact by catching a touchdown pass and getting an interception on defense before he left the game late second quarter with an injury, I think Williams makes an impact in this one and I think the Shiner defense, which is loaded with senior experience, corrals Carney enough to get a measure of revenge on Muenster in another thriller.

Stepp’s Pick: Shiner 27, Muenster 24

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Muenster

Sr. QB Casen Carney - The heart and soul of the Hornets attack, Carney is a do-it-all dual-threat who accounted for 62 touchdowns as a junior, including four in the state championship victory over Shiner, in which he was named Offensive MVP.

Jr. RB/DB Maverick Bayer -  A sparkplug on offense and lockdown force on defense, Bayer starred as a sophomore on both sides of the ball for the Hornets and has taken his game to a new level this season. He's grown into an emotional leader for Muenster too.

Sr. LB Rhett Walterscheid - After hurting his knee in the eighth game of the season last year, Walterscheid has worked his way back and been one of the leaders on the Hornets' defense this season. He had three sacks, including a forced fumble that was returned for a TD, in the state semifinals against Gruver.

Shiner

Jr. RB Quincy Jones - Muenster is fully aware of the type of big-play ability Jones possesses as he broke free for a 74-yard touchdown in last year's state championship. He only managed 13 yards on his five other carries, though, so you know Jones is itching to get another shot at the Hornets.

Soph. QB Jarvis Williams - In limited action before an injury in last year's state championship game, Williams caught a 29-yard touchdown pass and intercepted another. Now imagine what he could do in a full four quarters? The sophomore sensation hasa been nearly unstoppable conducting Shiner's offense this season; six times he's orchestrated offensive attacks that have eclipsed 54 points.

Jr. RB/LB Clayton Fric - One of the leaders of the stout Comanches defense, Fric is equal parts run-stopper and ball hawk. He's also an electric running back who scored on a 63-yard run on the game's first play in the state semifinals against Mount Enterprise. He had a 44-yard TD run against Muenster last year too.

- William Wilkerson

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK