ARLINGTON – The Gordon Longhorns kicked off the 2023 UIL State Championships with a dominating 70-20 victory over two-time defending state champion Westbrook. The Longhorns secured the Class 1A Division I state title, the program’s first state title since 1999, and third in history while denying the Wildcats a three-peat.

Both teams showcased their explosive offenses during their first two drives of the game, but Gordon (15-0)  turned the momentum when sophomore Aiden Shank blocked Westbrook’s extra point kick, giving the Longhorns a 16-14 lead.

By the time Westbrook (13-2) scored its next touchdown, the Longhorns held a 40-point advantage. Gordon stopped the Wildcats on four consecutive possessions in the first half, including three straight possessions on downs before sophomore Riley Reed intercepted a pass and raced 74 yards for a pick-six that gave the Longhorns a 54-14 advantage.

Gordon executed the 45-point rule in the third quarter when senior Whit Fuller recovered a fumble to give the Longhorns the ball inside Westbrook territory. 

Six-man football fans should become accustomed to seeing the Longhorns at AT&T Stadium, with only two seniors and many outstanding sophomores on the roster. Gordon head coach Mike Reed secured his third state title after winning back-to-back titles with Throckmorton in 2011-2012. Reed’s son, Stryker, is one of the young sophomores poised to dominate the Class 1A over the next two seasons.

Riley Reed was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player after leading the Longhorns with 100 yards and three touchdowns rushing and adding 41 yards receiving on two receptions. Sophomore Kaden Crowe was named the Defensive MVP after registering 11 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry.

Westbrook was led by Keegan Gilbreath, who gained 135 yards and a touchdown on the ground while adding 28 yards on two receptions and completed his only pass attempt for 33 yards.