Editor’s Note: Every Monday during the offseason, we’ll bring you our new running series, All-Time Matchup Monday, where we’ll pit two of the greatest teams in Texas high school football history against each other, throw a few theories around on who might come out on top, and then we’ll ask you to settle the debate for us. You can also nominate all-time teams and games. Just tweet @dctf with the hashtag #MatchupMonday with your nominations. 

Week 1: 2000 Midland Lee vs. 1996 Austin Westlake

Fan vote results: 2000 Midland Lee

[poll id="31"]

Why John Tyler would win

The 1973 Tyler John Tyler football team is considered the best in Texas high school football history by some historians. The unit was voted the best team from 1960 to 1985 by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine. It was led by a Lone Star State Legend – Earl Campbell. The Tyler Rose is the most decorated high school football player Texas has ever produced. He was a state champion in high school, a Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, a three-time NFL MVP and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

With Larry Hartsfield at quarterback, head coach Corky Nelson rode the legs of Campbell to a 15-0 record and a state championship victory over Austin Reagan in the Astrodome. The 21-14 victory capped off a season that started with the Lions returning only two starters from an 8-2 team in 1972.

Ronnie Lee was the other star on the team. He played 15 years as a professional. Earl’s brothers – Steve and Tim – were big parts of a great defense, as was Gary Don Johnson.

Why Austin Reagan would win

Head coach Travis Raven built a dynasty in Austin to end the 1960’s and begin the 1970’s. Austin Reagan won state titles in 1967, 1968 and 1970, going 51-3 over that four-year span. The 1967 and 1970 teams were named National Champions by the National Sports New Service. Reagan missed out on the playoffs in 1969 with an 8-2 record, but bounced back with a vengeance in 1970 behind a power-running game and a dominant defense to be recognized as the best high school team in the entire country.

Reagan finished the 1970 season with a 21-14 victory over running back Daniel Justis and Odessa Permian. It was the second time in three years Reagan bested Permian in the championship game. Reagan didn’t build the program around individual stars. No names from that team stand out in the record books from that season. However, Billy Schott led the state with 60 extra points during the season. Reagan spread the ball around on the ground and smothered opposing offenses. It was the system of the time, and no one did it better than Reagan.

Video Breakdown on DCTF Live

Mike Craven’s Pick: Tyler John Tyler

No dynasty in Texas high school football is paid less respect than the one Travis Raven built at Austin Reagan. He led his team to four state titles over seven years, winning three of those contests. The one loss, however, was to Earl Campbell’s Tyler John Tyler team in 1973. It is an unwritten rule in Texas to select Earl Campbell, no matter the question. Rules are rules, man.

Max Thompson’s pick: Austin Reagan

We totally undervalue this dynasty in every way, and Travis Raven's abilities as a coach. Earl Campbell was otherworldly, but defense wins championships, and I'm going with the underdog that plays defense, despite how unpopular this choice will be.

Greg Tepper’s pick: Tyler John Tyler

Acknowledging that we vastly underrate the Austin Reagan dynasty, I can't pick against Earl Campbell. He's Earl Campbell, and the highlights from his senior season are a display of a man amongst boys.

Fan vote: Will be announced next Monday.