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GAME PREVIEW

Unbeaten Argyle comes in looking for their second state title, while they’ll take on another set of Eagles from East Texas in Lindale, who is playing for their first state title in school history. Argyle used a fast start to roll past Canyon, 37-20, in last week’s state semifinal at Abilene Christian University. QB CJ Rogers tossed three first half touchdown passes to three different receivers and Argyle added a special teams touchdown to race out to a 28-0 halftime lead, making the end result all but academic when Rogers threw his fourth touchdown pass of the night to TE Jasper Lott early in the third quarter to make it 34-0. Most of Canyon’s offense came in the fourth quarter, well after the game was already decided. Lindale had a bit more drama in their game as they trailed Austin LBJ 22-0 and 28-7 before rallying back with 24-straight down the stretch for an improbable 31-28 victory. Special teams proved to be huge for LHS as Arik Williams gave Lindale a spark in the first half with a kickoff return for a score and then in the second half Lindale capitalized on an LBJ special teams gaffe to cut the lead to 28-14 on a recovered muffed punt in the end zone. K Landon Love drilled the 18-yard field goal with no time left to lift Lindale to the win the game and end the Lindale special teams run. In between the two huge special teams plays, RB Jordan Jenkins, a Baylor commit, got rolling by topping 200 yards rushing in the second half and a pair of touchdowns to tie the game at 28. Lindale’s defense answered the call with multiple fourth down stops in the second half. Lindale’s a decided underdog in this one and will need to play their best game of the year to keep this one close. Argyle’s offense uses the entire field and they are extremely adept at throwing the deep ball, but they are massive in the trenches and can run the football with equal effectiveness. Lindale needs to control the clock with Jenkins and grind out first downs against an Argyle defense that loads the box. If they can do that, force a few turnovers and hit on their deep shots, the odds for the upset increase greatly. 

Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 15

- Matt Stepp

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Argyle

WR Cole Kirkpatrick – The 6-foot-1 star senior wideout has been Argyle’s gamebreaker with nearly 3,000 combined receiving yards over his junior and senior seasons.  The surehanded deep threat has a wide catch radius and has been a match-up nightmare for teams all year.

QB CJ Rogers – The Eagles’ signal caller had big shoes to fill heading into 2020 and has done nothing but exceed expectations with a rocket arm and poise in the pocket. He’s thrown for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns with under five interceptions. Rogers is an underrated runner when he needs to buy time as well.

LB David Elsey – RB Tito Byce was also a candidate for this last spot, but I decided to give some love to the Argyle defense. Elsey is a big reason the Eagles have one of the best units in the state this year. The senior linebacker has a team-high seven sacks as well as 93 tackles, also the most on the team.

Lindale

RB Jordan Jenkins – The heart and soul of Lindale’s attack, Jenkins has nearly 3,000 yards on the ground and over 50 total touchdowns. Against Austin LBJ in the state semifinal, Jenkins willed the Eagles’ 22-point comeback in the running game and on special teams with a kickoff returned for a touchdown. If the Eagles have a chance, it’s in large part because they might have the best player on the field.

S Airik Williams – The senior safety may be Lindale’s interceptions leader (7), but Williams is also a big contributor in the run defense with his ability to turn downhill and impact plays at the line of scrimmage. Lindale’s going to want a low-scoring game and Williams will be a big factor.

LB Colton Widemon – Lindale’s sack leader will be a pivotal player in trying to make CJ Rogers’ day uncomfortable and patrolling the middle of the field against Argyle’s Tito Byce. The Eagles have to limit big gains as much as they can.

KEY MATCHUPS

Argyle Linebackers vs. Jordan Jenkins

When Lindale’s offense takes the field, everyone knows where the defense will go. Baylor commit Jordan Jenkins has run wild against every defense he’s faced, including a ridiculous nine-touchdown performance against Needville. Argyle is talented at linebacker, but they have not faced a running back quite like Jenkins this season. They must step up to the challenge. 

Lindale Edge Rushers vs. Argyle Tackles

Argyle boasts one of the best offensive lines in the state – at any level – with bookend tackles Jack Tucker and Jasper Lott both committed to Big 12 schools. However, Lindale boasts some real speed in the front seven, led by 6-foot-3 defensive lineman Jaymond Jackson’s 4.7 40-yard dash. Lindale has to earn some wins against the talented tackles to disrupt the offense and give themselves a chance. 

- Shehan Jeyarajah

PREDICTIONS

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