Milford (12-1) vs McLean (14-0)

The Bulldogs are no strangers to the state championship games, in fact this is the sixth appearance for Milford. The Bulldogs will be looking to capture their first title since 1980, where they defeated Highland 38-16.

Milford is averaging 95.3 passing and 280.3 rushing yards per game during the playoffs. Taron Smith leads the Bulldogs with 1,850 passing and 1,473 rushing yards this season and 70 total touchdowns.

The Tigers are making their first state championship appearance in program history. McLean is the only undefeated program remaining in the 1A ranks.

McLean is averaging 66.3ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 19.5ppg. Ben Crockett leads the Tigers’ offense with 182 carries for 2,383 yards and 50TDs.

Prediction: McLean 48 Milford 44

#3 Mart (14-1) vs Gruver (14-1)

The Panthers faced their toughest test of the playoffs last week in a 40-13 victory over Falls City. Mart led 20-13 in the fourth quarter, before scoring 20 unanswered points to seal the victory.

Mart is averaging 61.8ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 8.6ppg and pitching two shutouts. The Panthers overall team speed and championship pedigree will be a key factor.

The Greyhounds are making their first appearance in the state championship game. Gruver is currently riding a 12-game winning streak, that includes victories over traditional powers Stratford and Albany.

Gruver is averaging 46.0ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 16.0ppg. The Greyhounds will can’t enter the game awestruck, or things could get out of hand quick.

Prediction: Mart 59 Gruver 13

#1 Newton (14-0) vs #4 Canadian (14-1)

Newton is looking their fifth title in program history, and back-to-back state championships after escaping East Bernard last week in the semifinals 21-14.

The Eagles are averaging 59.4ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 9.0ppg. Newton is averaging 139.8 passing and 359.6 rushing yards per game in the playoffs.

The Wildcats have won four state championships of their own, but haven’t made the trip to Jerry’s World the past two seasons due to Gunter. Canadian put an end to that last week, as they defeated Gunter 17-7

Canadian is averaging 49.8ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 12.0ppg. Senior QB Casen Cavalier (234-362, 3,367, 41, 12) leads the potent Wildcat offense. Cavalier also has 176 carries for 937 yards and 15TDs.

Prediction: Newton 27 Canadian 22

Malakoff (12-2) vs Grandview (13-2)

The Tigers continued their magical playoff run last week with a 23-21 victory over state powerhouse Brock. Malakoff is looking to get redemption over Grandview, who beat the Tigers 28-7 in September, and their first state championship this week.

Malakoff is averaging 37.8ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 21.2ppg. The Tigers have defeated three ranked opponents (#7 Jefferson, #9 Gladewater, and #3 Brock) in the playoffs.

The Zebras knocked off a solid Yoakum team last week 28-14 to earn their first shot at a state championship. Grandview is loaded with young talent and currently riding a 10-game winning streak.

Grandview is averaging 35.0ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 21.0ppg. Sophomore QB Dane Jentsch will need another big game in order to secure a victory.

Prediction: Malakoff 34 Grandview 28

#8 Pleasant Grove (13-2) vs #5 Cuero (14-1)

The Hawks are defending state champions and winners of 9-games straight games. Last week Pleasant Grove soundly defeated Iowa Park 49-14 to punch their ticket to Jerry World.

Pleasant Grove is averaging 45.8ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 20.2ppg. The Hawks will look to control the clock with their rushing attack and force Cuero to become one dimensional.

The Gobblers were able to defeat Silsbee last week 29-24, despite turning the ball over twice on interceptions. Cuero hasn’t lost a game since week 2, when they fell to Yoakum 30-20.

Cuero is averaging 51.6ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 15.8ppg. The Gobblers are led by UT commit Jordan Whittington, who has 1,504 total yards and 52 tackles this season.

Prediction: Pleasant Grove 42 Cuero 28

#4 La Vega (13-2) vs #3 Liberty Hill (13-1)

The Pirates destroyed Decatur last week 53-0 to earn their spot in the state championship. La Vega will get the opportunity to defeat familiar foe Liberty Hill fifth time since 2015.

La Vega is averaging 50.2ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 11.0ppg and pitching two shutouts. The Pirates’ offense is one the most explosive in the state and will likely put up big numbers again this week.

The Panthers shocked the state last week, when the put an end to the longest winning streak in the state (40 games) by defeating #1 Carthage 44-41.

Liberty Hill loves to pound the ball with their Slot-T offense, which averages 490.4 rushing yards in the playoffs. The Panthers are led by senior RB Kyle Harrison, who has 237 carries for 2,761 yards and 44 total touchdowns.

Prediction: La Vega 56 Liberty Hill 27

#4 Longview (15-0) vs West Brook (13-2)

The Lobos held of a second half rally by Amarillo Tascosa to defeat the Rebels 45-42 last week at AT&T Stadium. Longview will be trying to capture their first state title since 1937.

Longview is averaging 49.6ppg during the playoffs, while allowing 21.8ppg. The running back duo of Jessie Anderson (1,208 yards, 24TDs) and Keilyn Williams (1,509 yards, 27TDs) open up the passing attack led by QB Haynes King (168-239, 3,454, 40TDs).

The Bruins took down Austin Westlake last week 35-30 to earn their shot at the state championship. West Brook is currently riding a 7-game winning streak that dates back to late October.

West Brook is averaging 45.0ppg in the playoffs, while allowing 30.6ppg. The Bruins will have to find some consistency on the defensive end if they plan on stopping Longview.

Prediction: Longview 48 West Brook 24