Day One of the Texas High School Football State Championships: Recap

By Roman Alacron of Friday Night Glory

The first of four days at the Texas High School Football State Championships kicked off with no shortage of storylines. From a new broadcast partner to historic individual performances and contrasting championship styles, Day One delivered across the board.

Victory+ made its UIL State Championship broadcast debut, and the early returns were impressive. The camerawork was sharp, the production quality was strong, and the commentary felt reminiscent of an old-school 1980s baseball radio booth, in a good way. Most importantly, the games were free to watch. Fans anywhere could simply download the app and tune in, a major win for accessibility and exposure for Texas high school football.

The 1A Division II championship was anything but competitive. The Longhorns capped off a dominant season with a statement win, run-ruling Rankin in the third quarter, 69–22. During the postgame press conference, the Longhorns’ season was likened to a movie, referencing the tornado that struck their community earlier this year. Still, it was an interesting juxtaposition: the feel-good story was also the undisputed top dog. The title marked their fifth state championship and third straight, as they simply played with more physicality and aggression from start to finish.

In contrast, the 1A Division I six-man championship delivered a much more competitive game, at least by six-man standards. The matchup was back-and-forth until a Coyotes safety gave Jayton a two-score cushion. From there, the Jaybirds began to pull away before Richland Springs briefly broke their momentum. Once Jayton regained control, history followed.

Bode Ham turned in a legendary performance, breaking the record for most rushing touchdowns in a state championship game (9), tying the record for most total touchdowns in a game (13), and finishing just 11 yards shy of the all-time rushing record. Jayton fell one point short of a century mark, winning 99–54 and claiming their second consecutive state championship.

The 2A Division I championship was a game of missed chances versus capitalized opportunities. Joaquin struggled to generate explosive plays, relying heavily on short passes and modest runs. Hamilton, meanwhile, maximized nearly every opportunity they had. Even after dropping a potential touchdown, the Bulldogs still finished the drive with points. When Hamilton scored on its opening drive of the second half, the tone was set. From there, the Bulldogs countered Joaquin’s Power T effectively and controlled the game en route to their first state championship.

Day One featured a little bit of everything: inspiring stories, historic performances, and a physical, grind-it-out championship reminiscent of an NFL-style game.

Day Two begins with a rematch of last year’s 2A Division II championship, the aptly nicknamed “beer-cheese” game between Shiner and Muenster, which promises to live up to last year’s standard. Grandview vs. Yoakum pits a program that has won every state title appearance against one still searching for its first championship victory. The nightcap and what many consider the most anticipated game of the week, features Newton vs. Hallsville.

State Championship week is officially one-quarter complete and the best may still be ahead.

SMU Selected for the Holiday Bowl

Via Mustang Wire

The SMU Mustangs are San Diego–bound!

SMU has officially accepted an invitation to play in the 46th annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl.

The Mustangs will take on Big 12 opponent Arizona on January 2 at 7 PM CT at Snapdragon Stadium, with the matchup airing nationally on FOX.

This marks seven straight postseason appearances for SMU, the longest bowl streak in program history. After an 8–4 regular season, the Mustangs now look to secure a third consecutive season with nine or more wins, which would tie the longest such streak in school history.

Mustang Nation, get ready, it’s bowl season!

Hidden Gem Report: Manvel vs. Summer Creek

By: Darren Hendricks

When you step on the field against Summer Creek, you better pack your lunch and your pride, because Benny Easter is going to take both. From the second play of the game vs Manvel, the Texas Tech commit made it clear this one wasn’t going to be close. On just his second touch, he broke free for six, and that was the start of what felt like a personal highlight reel.

First Quarter: The Benny Easter Show

It didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to remind everyone who runs the Creek. Eric Mosley punched the gas with a 35-yard burst that had the crowd roaring, and a short 3-yard gain capped off the drive for another Maverick score. But then… Benny happened again. A 70-yard sprint that looked effortless, pure acceleration, clean stride, elite vision. That’s a college-ready touchdown, and it pushed Creek ahead early.

Manvel tried to counter and had moments. Grayson Robinson delivered a monster sack that nearly flipped momentum. His length, get-off, and bend scream “next level.” But a hands-to-the-face penalty on 4th down extended the drive, and Summer Creek made them pay.

Benny’s third touchdown came on a slant, quick, sharp, confident. By the end of the first quarter, the Tech commit already had over 100 yards and three touchdowns. He wasn’t just dominating , he was dismantling.

Second Quarter: Creek Keeps the Foot on the Gas

After a safety on the Mavs’ end-zone kickoff return, Tyler Hosea added another score, a smooth 15-yard touchdown that stretched the lead even further. Manvel’s Dante Mays tried to breathe life back into the offense with a tough 12-yard run, but any spark they created, Benny snuffed out.

Savion James’ interception and 34-yard return set up yet another Easter touchdown, his fourth and it was only halftime. More than 200 yards in two quarters. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement.

Final Half: The Dawgs Dominate

By the time the dust settled, Benny Easter had racked up five touchdowns and 240 yards, while quarterback Noah Spinks threw for over 450. Summer Creek walked out with a 72–35 win that felt like a clinic in execution, speed, and pure athletic dominance.

Final Take

If you were in the stands Friday night, you didn’t just watch a football game, you watched a future Red Raider remind the state of Texas why he’s special. Benny Easter isn’t waiting for Saturdays to shine. Every Friday is his national stage, and as long as he’s suited up for Summer Creek, every game is an Easter holiday.