The TXHSFB State Championships: Where movie moments happen in real life. Here are our picks for the best storyline within all 12 games from Wednesday-Saturday.

Wednesday

1A/Six-Man DII Gordon v Whiteface (11:00 a.m.): Can Clint Lintman make history at a second program?

Clint Linman won McLean High School its first state championship in school history in 2018 and is now attempting to do the same for Whiteface. This is the only matchup of unbeatens in the 12 state championships, but it’s not dynasty vs. dynasty. Whiteface had one winning season from 2009 to 2021. Gordon, meanwhile, is seeking to go back-to-back behind the star duo of Stryker and Ry Reed (unrelated). They’ve played 31 of a potential 56 quarters due to mercy rule.

1A/Six-Man DI Oakwood v Jayton (2:00 p.m.): Can Oakwood Complete the Cinderella Story?

Oakwood head coach JJ Johnson has captained his alma mater to the most unlikely state championship run of any team this week. Oakwood started the year 2-5 after a loss to Bryan Christian Home School and has since gone on an eight-game win streak, beating defending state finalist Oglesby.

2A DII Shiner v Muenster (7:00 p.m.): Which Dual-Threat QB Outduels the Other?

Shiner’s Carson Schuette and Muenster’s Casen Carney are both dual-threat quarterbacks, but they operate in clashing schemes. Schuette pilots Shiner’s signature midline veer, and he’s coming off a 258-yard, four-touchdown performance on the ground in the semifinals against Bremond. On the other hand, Carney has thrown for 2,990 yards and has added 1,446 yards on the ground with a combined 62 touchdowns as more of a traditional dual threat.

Thursday 

2A DI Ganado v Stamford (11:00 a.m.): Wayne Hutchinson's Second Act

Wayne Hutchinson led Stamford to three consecutive state championship appearances with two titles from 2011-13 before taking the Lubbock Monterey job. He lived in Stamford for a year after retiring before deciding to coach the football team again in June 2023. In just his second season, he returned the team to Jerry World.

3A DII Woodville v Gunter (3:00 p.m.): The Upstart vs. the Dynasty

Before this season, Woodville had never made the third round of the playoffs. Gunter has made it to the third round every season since 2016. But don’t mistake this Gunter team as untested. After scheduling Celina and Anna in non-district, the Tigers started 1-2 - their first losses in two years. Most recently, Gunter overcame a 32-17 third-quarter deficit in the state semifinals against Wall. Are these bouncebacks a sign of strength or vulnerability against an upstart?

3A DI Columbus v Malakoff (7:00 p.m.): The Week's Best QB Clash

Malakoff’s Mike Jones and Columbus’ Adam Schobel are capping prolific high school careers in dueling fashion. Jones, the reigning Offensive MVP from last year’s state championship, has rushed for over 1,000 yards and thrown for over 2,500. Schobel, a TCU signee, is a finalist for Mr. Texas Football after throwing for more than 60 touchdowns.

Friday

4A DII Waco La Vega v Carthage (11:00 a.m.): Scott Surratt's first state championship with his son starting at quarterback

Carthage head coach Scott Surratt is a perfect 9-0 in state championships, and he’s looking for number 10 with his son, Jett, starting at quarterback for him for the first time. Jett was a freshman for Carthage’s most recent title in 2022, but since then, he’s earned District MVP in 2023 and has now led the Bulldogs back to AT&T Stadium with his own arm.

4A DI Kilgore v Celina (3:00 p.m.): Which program avenges years of heartbreak?

Both of these storied programs have returned to the mountaintop after years of heartbreak trying to scale it. Kilgore lost to Tyler Chapel Hill in the playoffs the previous three seasons, each by less than a touchdown. Celina is tied for third all-time in TXHSFB history with eight state championships, but the title town has endured a title drought since 2007.  

5A DII South Oak Cliff v Richmond Randle (7:00 p.m.): Can Brian Randle win a title at his namesake school?

Richmond Randle's head coach, Brian Randle, is seeking to win the first state championship at the school, which was named after his father, Dr. Thomas E. Randle. The father was the former district superintendent, and the son was hired as the school’s first-ever head coach in 2021. Randle has led the Lions from a 4-6 record in 2022 to an 11-2 record last year and now is an undefeated 15-0.

Saturday

5A DI Highland Park v Smithson Valley (11:00 a.m.): The two winningist coaches to ever face off at State

Highland Park’s Randy Allen (460 career wins) and Smithson Valley’s Larry Hill (324 career wins) are the two winningest coaches to ever play against each other in a state championship. Allen has won four state championships, one with Matthew Stafford in 2005 and a three-peat in 2016-18. Hill, meanwhile, is still searching for his first, having gone 0-4 in final games to this point.

6A DII Austin Vandegrift v Southlake Carroll (3:00 p.m.): Which head coach gets his first ring?

Southlake Carroll’s Riley Dodge and Austin Vandegrift’s Drew Sanders are two of the best TXHSFB coaches who’re still ringless, limited to one state title appearance apiece due to the Duncanville/North Shore dynasties. Dodge, who won three titles as Southlake’s quarterback, has compiled a 93-8 record since taking over as the head coach in 2018. Sanders, Vandegrift’s only head coach since the program started in 2010, has led the Vipers to 12 consecutive playoff appearances with a trip to AT&T Stadium in 2022 (loss to DeSoto).

6A DI Austin Westlake v North Crowley (7:00 p.m.): Which former DC handles HC duties better?

Westlake head coach Tony Salazar was part of Westlake’s most recent three-peat as a defensive coordinator, but 2024 is his first time in AT&T Stadium as the head honcho. North Crowley’s Ray Gates was the Cedar Hill defensive coordinator in its 2020 state championship appearance, and now he’s led the Panthers to their first title game since 2003. Both programs are coming off emotional wins in the state semis (Westlake over North Shore, North Crowley over Duncanville). Who can rebound from the emotional rollercoaster better?