The message the Kaufman Lions sent in College Station is clear: this year is different.

Quarterback Derek Clamon threw a trio of touchdown passes and the Lions defense tightened in the second half as the Lions polished off a perfect run to the Division II state 7-on-7 championship on Friday afternoon, toppling district rival Argyle in the title game, 20-13.

The win gave the Lions their second 7-on-7 title, joining their 2016 Division II title, and brought about a marked change from a frustrating 2020 season wherein Kaufman finished 3-8. To make it even more sweet, Argyle was the second District 7-4A Division I bunkmate the Lions beat on the way, taking down Melissa in the second round of the championship bracket.

“To come in and beat two of our district opponents to win state, it’s crazy,” Clamon said. “They knew, and we all knew. They gave it to us last year, and so to be able to give it back to them here, it’s incredible.”

Kaufman slowed the game down, making the most of the play clock and limiting the 30-minute game to just 10 total possessions. The Lions made the most of their time with the ball, scoring on their first three possessions, with Clamon finding three different receivers for scores.

“We’re versatile,” Clamon said. “I can throw it to anybody on the team, and I know they can bring it in.”

From there, the Lions defense did its part, breaking Argyle’s serve on the final possession of the first half by stopping the Eagles around midfield as the half expired. The Lions then came up with the biggest defensive play of the game, as Carlos Ramirez tipped a pass and Garrett Porter hauled it for an interception; a few plays later, Clamon threw his third touchdown pass, and Kaufman had the all-important two-possession lead at 20-6.

“They stepped up,” Clamon said of his defense. “My middle linebacker Carlos came up with the big play, and our corner Kylevon [Morrow] locked up everything.”

Argyle finished as the state runner-up for the second time, joining their 2013 state runner-up finish, and had success with a pair of quarterbacks — both Jett Copeland and Jacob Robinson thew a touchdown pass for the Eagles.