Gunter (13-2) vs Woodville (13-2), 3 p.m. Thursday at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium: 

Gunter is in pursuit of its third straight state title at the 3A-Division II level, but the road hasn't come without its challenges. The biggest of which might have been last week when the Tigers had to work in a hard fought 42-32 win over Wall.

Wall led 32-17 in the third quarter before Gunter rallied for 25 straight points to roll to the win. QB Preston Tarpley was key as he tossed three touchdown passes, including two going to Mitchell Gage. Tarpley also drilled a pair of field goals.

Woodville is playing for its first ever state title after winning a thriller over Tidehaven, 28-21, a week ago. Prior to this season, the Eagles had never been past the second round of the playoffs. 

Last week RB/DE Tayvion Hunter continued his torrid play with two rushing touchdowns and a fumble return for a score to lead the Eagles. Sophomore QB Luke Babin’s touchdown pass to Dustin Barlow late in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winning score, while Caleb Johnson’s interception sealed the deal for the Eagles with 1:06 left in the game.

Gunter’s experience on this stage will be huge. The Tigers have been here and done that plenty of times, but Woodville is the type of team that can give Gunter some issues as the Tigers can be susceptible to big plays against athletic teams.

The key for Woodville will be trying to break some big plays. Defensively, the Eagles will need to win early downs and force Gunter into obvious passing downs.

Gunter’s big game pedigree and poise in big moments along with the kicking game are the big keys for the Tigers. 

Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 13

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Gunter

DE Major Thornill - Thornhill is seeking to repeat as the state championship Defensive MVP. The 6’3, 210-pound edge defender enters Thursday’s matchup with 19 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Woodville has a pass-happy offense, so Thornhill needs to make quarterback Luke Babin’s life uncomfortable.

QB/K Preston Tarpley - Tarpley is the rare kicker, punter and quarterback who’s equally effective at all three. He’s thrown for 2,233 yards and 30 touchdowns to just five interceptions, while drilling 77-of-79 PATs and 10-for-11 field goals.

RB/CB Brock Boddie - Boddie is the primary running back in Gunter’s signature pistol option, with 179 touches for 1,059 yards and 16 TD. He also lines up at cornerback on defense, with 21 tackles, 15 pass breakups and three interceptions.

Woodville

RB/DE Tayvion Hunter - Mr. Do-it-all for the Eagles, Hunter had five first-half touchdowns in a 40-7 win over Daingerfield two weeks ago. Woodville's going to have to keep pace with Gunter's high-octane offense. If the Eagles want to have any chance of pulling off the upset, Hunter's going to have to play the game of his career.

QB Luke Babin - Babin has already put his name in the conversation as being one of the top signal-callers in Texas for 2027. Schools like Baylor, Houston, TCU, Texas Tech and UTSA agree and have already offered the 6-2, 170-pounder.

RB/DT Dustin Barlow - Barlow is the definition of a "freight train" at 5-8 and 225 pounds. He's terrific as a lead blocker for Hunter and Babin, and can move the chains himself, particularly in short yardage situations. His game-winning touchdown against Tidehaven was a thing of beauty, catching the ball behind him before splitting two defenders to paydirt.

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK