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STATE TITLE PREVIEW: Gunter looks to cap perfect season with a championship victory over Poth
It's finally here! Texas high school football's state championship games are upon us. With six different Dallas-Fort Worth area teams vying for a crown, there are plenty of bragging rights on the line. One of the DFW area teams is none-other than the Gunter Tigers who are on the hunt for a victory over Poth to top their perfect season with a crown. VYPE DFW dives into the teams for a preview ahead of the state title game!
Gunter Tigers (14-0)
Led by senior running back and safety Ethan Sloan, junior quarterback Walker Overman, junior wide receiver Cannon Lemberg, and more, the Gunter Tigers enter the state championship game with an undefeated record. The team posted an incredible 21-20 victory over Canadian in the state semifinal game last week with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Overman to Ivy Hellman.
Outscoring their opponents by nearly 500 points this season, the Tigers have shut down plenty of opponents this season including playoff opponents Trinity Leadership, Jacksboro, Palmer, Holliday, and Canadian. Last week's game against Canadian was the first time the team allowed more than one touchdown in seven weeks.
Poth Pirates (14-1)
The Pirates are entering their first appearance in the state title game since 1968 with only one loss to their name. Led by the likes of senior running back Zane Raabe, senior running back Matthew Bunn, junior wide receiver Gabriel Silansky, and more, the Pirates have outscored their opponents this season by over 500 points. On a 12 game win-streak, Poth has ended the seasons of George West, Boling, Taft, El Maton Tidehaven, and most recently Big Sandy Harmony.
Holding 12 opponents to two touchdowns or less, Poth's defense has been incredible. Of the 12 held to two scores or less, seven weren't able to score against the tough defense at all. The team looks to finish their season with the program's first state title.
What To Expect:
Poth's defense is an incredible force that will give Gunter a run for their money on Thursday. With the ability to put a stop to most opponents' offenses this season, Gunter is going to have to really work during the state title game. Gunter has an offense that knows how to set the tone and a defense that knows how to make the biggest stops when they need it the most. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as both teams go head-to-head in a matchup you're not going to want to miss.
Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
LOOK AHEAD: Gunter Football Prepares to make strong return
As teams spend the summer preparing for the upcoming football season, plenty of athletes are taking this opportunity to participate in 7 on 7. One of the teams showcasing their talent early is none other than the Gunter Tigers- who look to have a phenomenal return to the field this fall. VYPE DFW takes a dive into what fans can expect from this 3A program.
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Last Season
After being state finalists in the 2020-21 season, the Gunter Tigers made it a point to work hard during the 2021-22 season. Not only did the team work hard, they excelled at everything they did. The Tigers outscored their opponents by a combined 608 points last season while shutting out one opponent and holding at least 12 other opponents to two scores or under during the game.
Finishing at the top of their district with a 6-0 district record, the Gunter Tigers plowed into playoffs ready to continue their excellency. In playoffs, Gunter defeated Scurry-Rosser, Millsap, Dublin, Holliday, and Lubbock Roosevelt before eventually falling in a hard-fought 49-35 match-up against a tough Franklin team.
Looking Ahead
With last season's team rushing yard leader Ethan Sloan making a return as well as 2023 wide receiver Ivy Hellman and 2024 wide receiver Cannon Lemberg, the Gunter offense can be expected to be just as explosive in the upcoming season. Although Hut Graham graduated, Luke Dodd has been showcasing his talent during 7 on 7, so fans don't need to worry about the depth that Gunter has offensively.
While the offense continues to build their campaign towards next year, the defense is roaring and ready to go. Ashton Bennett, Trey Walton, and Adam Reed are set to make strong returns for the Tiger defense while fans can also expect to see another big season from Mason Peacock.
What To Expect
While the team is strong and known for making deep playoff runs, fans can continue to expect nothing short of greatness from this squad. With a championship season in 2019 and deep playoff runs in 2021 (state finalist), 2020 (state semifinalist), and more the Tigers are as hungry as ever to prove that they have what it takes to bring the title home for the third time (2019, 2016). Expect a big season from the Gunter Tiger football program.