GAMES
RANKINGS
GLORY ROAD: Aledo's high-octane lineup propels them to a 5A-D1 Championship against SV
The Bearcats controlled the game from the outset, leaning on timely hitting, sharp base-running, and a lockdown pitching performance to clinch their fourth overall appearance at the UIL State Tournament.
Junior designated hitter Lucas Nawrocki led the way offensively, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a triple—earning him the title of 5A-DI State Championship MVP.
Junior DH Lucas Nawrocki accepts the 5A-D1 State MVP AwardAlex Hinson (VYPE)
Aledo wasted no time getting on the board, with Nawrocki driving in the game’s first run in the top of the first inning. Smithson Valley briefly responded in the bottom half, evening the score at 1–1 with an RBI single by Bryce Wells—the Rangers’ only run of the game.
From there, it was all Bearcats.
In a key second-inning sequence, senior catcher Brennon Evans stole second base as senior shortstop Nick Foster alertly dashed home on the play, showcasing the team’s aggressive base-running and awareness. Aledo tacked on two more runs in the fifth, with Nawrocki notching an RBI triple and senior outfielder Luke Trager adding an RBI single.
Junior Brooks Burdine tripled in a run in the sixth, and Aledo added three insurance runs in the seventh, capped by a two-run error following a single from Evans. By the time the final out was recorded, Aledo had scored in five of seven innings.
On the mound, senior right-hander Devin Miller delivered a complete game performance, allowing just one earned run and striking out two across seven efficient innings. Miller, along with Evans, Dylan Duran, Landon Barnes, and Foster, earned spots on the State All-Tournament team for their efforts.
Aledo's offense delivered in clutch moments, but it was the team’s total balance—steady pitching, clean defense, and consistent production up and down the lineup—that ultimately separated them from the rest of the field.
Now, with another trophy in hand and a core of underclassmen set to return—including MVP Nawrocki—the Bearcats have the look of a team built not just for this moment, but for many more to come.
BACK-2-BACK: Grapevine prevails against K-Park in the 5A-D2 State Title game
In a game marked by early offensive fireworks, the Mustangs weathered a back-and-forth battle before pulling away with clutch hitting and dominant relief pitching.
Senior right-hander Ben Chen earned 5A-D2 State MVP honors after entering the game in the third inning and shutting down a red-hot Kingwood Park lineup the rest of the way.
Senior RHP Ben Chen accepts the 5A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Chen, who finished the season a perfect 10-0, held the Panthers scoreless from the fourth inning on, before fellow senior Sam DuRard secured the save in the seventh.
“There was a lot of scoring early, and I was in the bullpen when Coach Webster got on the radio,” Chen said. “I had never really come in as a reliever before, but he just told me to shut it down—so I did my best.”
Grapevine (36-3) came out swinging, opening the scoring with an RBI single from junior catcher Gianni Corral in the top of the first. But Kingwood Park quickly countered, plating two runs in their half of the inning and then taking a 5-4 lead by the end of the third.
Refusing to back down, the Mustangs rallied in the fourth. A sacrifice fly from senior Zack Goldstein tied the game, and Corral came through again with a go-ahead single. Moments later, in a heads-up baserunning sequence, Corral stole second as Jarett Boswell dashed home on the throw, stretching the lead to 7-5.
(Left to Right) Grapevine's Gianni Corral, Brady Boozer, and Lale Esquivel
“It was back and forth early, but we just kept believing in what we do,” Corral said. “We knew once we settled in, we’d be tough to stop.”
Grapevine padded its lead in the seventh inning with an RBI single from sophomore shortstop Connor Ray, who later scored on a wild pitch to make it 9-5. The insurance runs helped seal a win that not only capped a dominant season, but also reinforced a championship culture taking hold in Grapevine.
“This one feels a little more special to me, personally,” Chen reflected. “I was one of our core guys this time around, and with it being my last year, there’s somewhat more of an impact.”
Corral echoed the sentiment. “Doing it as an underclassman last season was definitely a big deal. But coming back and doing it again—that leaves a stamp. A legacy.”
The Mustangs placed six players on the All-Tournament team: Corral, Ray, Boswell, Esquivel, Goldstein, and DuRard. Each made key contributions throughout the playoff run, including senior pitcher Sam DuRard, who helped Grapevine reach the final with strong semifinal work, and junior third baseman Lale Esquivel, who chipped in with timely hits and steady defense.
Head Coach Jimmy Webster embraces freshman Luke Esquivel moments after their championship acquisitionMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
With the win, Coach Webster’s squad not only finished with a 36-3 overall record but also became just the second Grapevine team ever to repeat as state champions—joining the 2016 team in the record books.
For a program that’s long prided itself on development, chemistry, and consistency, Friday’s win was more than just another trophy—it was a continuation of a legacy that’s still very much in the making.