Celina (15-0) vs Kilgore (13-2), 3 p.m. Friday at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium: 

Unbeaten Celina looks to win its ninth state title against East Texas power Kilgore in one of the more anticipated title games of the weekend.

Celina got its toughest test of the season last week as the Bobcats needed some late heroics to knock off upstart Canyon West Plains.

RB Harrison Williams’ 22-yard touchdown run with 1:29 left in the game proved to be the difference after West Plains appeared poised for the upset when they took a 36-35 lead with under four minutes remaining.

Junior QB Bowe Bentley led the charge for the Bobcats throwing for 115 yards and adding 154 yards and three TDs on the ground. Williams finished with 120 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Kilgore had no trouble with La Vernia last week as the Bulldogs cruised to a 38-13 victory. QB Kayson Brooks continued his tremendous playoff run throwing for 238 yards and two scores; he also added a touchdown on the ground.

One concern for Kilgore going into this game is it struggled running the ball last week as the ‘Dawgs only tallied 51 yards on the ground. They’ll need that balance this week going against a tough Celina front. Kilgore’s defense is among the best in the state with a deep and quick front seven and a ball-hawking secondary led by Michigan signee Jayden Sanders.

Kilgore should be able to move the ball on Celina, but the game will decided ultimately by how well the Bulldogs deal with Celina QB Bentley. If they keep him from going crazy, Kilgore can win it. If Bentley has a big game, Celina’s lifting the trophy. 

Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 2

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Celina

QB Bowe Bentley - Bentley has opened up Celina’s offense this season with 2,946 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. He flashes playmaking improvisational skills with 855 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. Celina has two dynamic running backs in Harrison Williams and Logan Gutierrez, but Bentley provides the home run threat that keeps defenses from loading the box.

LB Luke Biagini - Biagini is the heartbeat of a Celina defense that surrendered just 11.25 points per game through the first 12 games of the year. While that unit has been tested in previous weeks, Biagini has scored multiple defensive and special teams TDs this season.

WR/DB Colton Rodriguez - Rodriguez is a true three-phase difference maker. He has 737 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, forming a dynamic duo with Ethan Rucker. Gutierrez has also contributed kickoff return touchdowns and interceptions in the endzone as a defensive back in the playoffs.

Kilgore

S Jayden Sanders - The four-star Michigan signee is capable of turning a game on its head with his downhill tackling abilities and wide receiver-like hands. Throw at him at your own risk. He's rated as the No. 2 safety and No. 47 player in Texas for 2025.

QB Kayson Brooks - An absolute electric factory, Brooks can and does do it all for the Bulldogs. The junior not the biggest player on the field - 5-9, 160 - but he'll undoubtedly leave his mark on this game as much as anyone. Brooks is more than capable of orchestrating drives from the pocket, but his strength might be his escapability; if he gets around the edge, just go ahead and put 6 on the board.

ATH Jakalen Sheffield - A dude. Sheffield has seven interceptions on the season, including snatching one against La Vernia in the semifinals. He has over 110 tackles and double-digit pass breakups. Lakeyleon Graves is another ATH who will play a huge role in the outcome of this game.

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK