Arlington – When Hawley was playing for a state championship in 2021, Austin Cumpton couldn’t play because of a back injury he sustained before the game. 

In 2022, he made sure to make his mark. 

Hawley used a stifling first half defense performance to dominate Refugio and claim a 54-28 victory in the 2A Division I UIL State Championship on Thursday to earn its first ever state championship.

The Hawley defense came to play as eventual defensive MVP Hez Parker came in with a big hit early to force a fumble and Cumpton would recover the football. Cumpton would score on a seven-yard run on the Bearcats very next drive.

Hawley would then force three more turnovers in the second quarter from a turnover on downs, interception by Chandlin Myers, and another fumble. And on were able to capitalize with touchdowns from Cumpton and an elusive 74-yard catch and run touchdown from Diontay Ramon. 

The Bearcats would seal things with a time-consuming 14 play, eight-minute touchdown drive to take up most of the third quarter.

Cumpton would win offensive MVP honors with his 155 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Rodey Hooper kept things moving with his 279 yards and three touchdowns through the air with most of them going to Ramon, who finished with 150 yards and two touchdowns. Parker was a force along the defensive line with his multiple forced fumbles, pick six, and five tackles.

Refugio’s Eziyah Bland did his best to try and match the Hawley offense with his 149 yards and a touchdown rushing. Kelan Brown kept the air attack going with his 121 yard and a touchdown.

                               Refugio Hawley

REFUGIO

Passing

Receiving

Rushing

HAWLEY

Passing

Receiving

Rushing