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3A D1 STATE SEMIFINAL: Brock Eagles prepped for Malakoff
Since beginning varsity football play in 2014, the Brock Eagles have been a consistent power in high school football. Winning state during only their second season of varsity play (2015), the team continues to live up to the standard that the community has come to expect of the Eagles-- that is, Brock has won a state title in every major sport. As the team sets off to play in the state semifinal game against Malakoff, VYPE DFW takes a look at what fans can expect on Thursday night.
The Season So Far
So far this season, Brock has continued to power through their opponents. A regular state semifinalist and finalist (with appearances in 2015 (with a title), 2017 (finalist), 2018 (semifinalist), 2019 (semifinalist), 2021 (finalist), there has been a certain finesse to the Eagles' style of play. Despite dropping three games in non-district play-- against Pleasant Grove, Wimberly, and Gunter-- Brock has not been distracted from their path. In fact, the team has outscored their opponents by over 500 points combined this season while shutting out four of their opponents-- Boyd (78-0), Peaster (61-0), Pilot Point (76-0), and Iowa Park (59-0)
Going undefeated through district play (6-0), the team finished first in their district standings with huge victories over the likes of Ponder, Paradise, Whitesboro, and more en route to the playoffs. Once in playoffs, Brock secured victories over Iowa Park, Muleshoe, Clyde, and Paradise last week in order to set their sights on the semifinal game against Malakoff.
Led by powerful athletes like Cooper Massey (who has averaged nearly 16 tackles per game), Thomas Taylor, Luke Cearley, Cam Harris and Hunter Fay (who have both racked up 11 sacks each this season), and others, the defense has proven to be a not-so-secret weapon against their opponents. Allowing only six scores in the playoffs, this defense is a wall that opponents have struggled to get through. The offense is led by Brody Woods (who has averaged nearly 79 rushing yards per game while scoring 15 touchdowns this season), Brett Tutter, Carson Finney (who has 12 scores to his name this season), Britton Burrows, and more, and has continued to push for greatness as they set the tone and pull away from their opponents week after week.
The Competition
Malakoff is undefeated on the season (14-0, 6-0), and has a score to settle with Brock after being eliminated in the semifinals last season with a 21-10 Brock victory. Having overcome hurdles, the team has defeated plenty of tough opponents while making their way back to the semifinal game. Outscoring their opponents by over 600 points combined this season, the team is on a mission to head to the state finals at any cost. Malakoff has already eliminated Maypearl, Mount Vernon, Grandview, and Winnsboro in the playoffs while allowing only seven scores against them in the playoffs.
With top performers like Jerrion Hall (who has accounted for 24 touchdowns this season), Chauncey Hogg and Bubba Hicks (who have 11 touchdowns apiece), James Studley, Mike Jones (who has racked up 19 passing touchdowns), Daniel Norrell, and others, this team is looking to make a statement on Thursday night.
What To Expect
Both teams are powerhouses in their own right. Both teams have athletes who are tried, tested, and prepared to leave everything they have on the field. These teams are going to put up a battle that is going to be unlike any other in 3A football this entire season. Brock has the stamina and tone-setting ability to punch their ticket to the state finals if they remain focused. Malakoff knows how to remain steady and level-headed through tough moments-- which could power them to punch their ticket to the state finals.
Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. in a matchup you aren't going to want to miss in Frisco, Texas at The Ford Center at The Star.
PREVIEW: Gunter hosts Brock in final non-district matchup of 2023
In a week four showdown, Brock is traveling to Gunter looking for another victory before district play begins. Gunter hosts with an undefeated record so far this season. VYPE DFW takes a look at these two teams ahead of their Friday night pairing:
Brock Eagles (1-2)
With an unusual start for the typically dominant Brock Eagles, the team has a 1-2 record in non-district play. A week one 10-7 loss against Pleasantgrove started their season before they regrouped for a 28-14 victory over Wichita Falls Hirschi. Last week, Brock traveled to a neutral site to battle against a strong Wimberley team; Brock came up short in a 35-27 loss. This week, the team travels to Gunter looking to upset the Tigers in their final non-district game of the season.
Luke Cearley, Brody Woods, Carson Finney, Tyler Butler, Cayden Hix, Tolar Cearley, Cannon Stephens, Cotton Tanner, Vance Gunthrie, and others help lead the Eagles this season. Big-time playmakers, this team is ready for anything to come their way on Friday night.
Gunter Tigers (3-0)
Undefeated on the season, Gunter is looking to remain at the top for their final game before district play. With big victories over San Antonio Cornerstone Christian (53-7), Prosper Walnut Grove (64-24), and Trinity Christian Academy - Addison (38-0), the team has allowed only 31 points against them in three games. They look to showcase a dominant defensive force on Friday night against Brock.
Brayden Hinton, Walker Overman, Cade Dodson, Kane Bolt, Trevor Wright, Paxton Cox, Cameron Cravey, Reid Brackeen, Jadon Weeks, and others are major playmakers for the Tigers this season. This team is ready to continue their hot streak on Friday night.
What To Expect
Gunter is rolling and not ready to slow down. Last season, the Tigers had a close game against Brock, but came out victorious in a 21-16 win. This season, they will look to show up in front of a home crowd and continue their streak of excellence on the field. With a defense that is nearly unmatchable in the metroplex, Gunter can be expected to set the tone early. Looking for revenge while also looking to improve their schedule on the season, Brock has high hopes to shut down Gunter for a statement victory on Friday night. This team can be expected to show an incredible amount of effort as they step foot onto Gunter territory.
Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Gunter High School.