On a history making night, Franklin showcased its Slot-T offense on the biggest stage in Texas to claim the Lions’ first state championship in their second straight trip to AT&T Stadium.

Franklin used its bevy of backs to wear down Gunter and win the 3A Division I State Championship on Thursday, 49-35.

Not much separated these teams until Franklin running back Malcom Murphy delivered two big body blows with a pair of 60-plus yard touchdown runs halfway through the fourth quarter.

Then Murphy delivered the knockout punch with an interception off a Gunter desperation deep throw; one of his two picks on the night.

Murphy won Offensive MVP Honors and flirted with the 3A individual rushing yard championship game record with 287 yards and four touchdowns. His contribution did help his team break the record for rushing yards with 523. The backs behind helped make sure that Gunter was always facing a potent back. Running back brothers Bryson and Bobby Washington had 171 and 102 yards respectively with Bryson having three touchdowns.

The Franklin defense turned up the heat in the fourth quarter. Murphy had two key interceptions while DB Colby Smith secured one for himself and lead the team in tackles with 11 earning defensive MVP honors.

Gunter was able to keep step Franklin as they were able to hang on with great offensive play. QB Hudson Graham piloted the option offense throwing for 149 yards and three touchdowns while running for 57 yards. ATH Ethan Sloan was a shifty option running for 46 yards and a touchdown and had four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. WR Cole Lemons kept Gunter in it with 37 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

The Gunter defense tried to hang with Franklin with Ashton Bennett leading the team in tackles with 11. DL Braydon Hinton powered through to get a sack and five tackles.