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Kick return TD extends Gunter lead in Texas 3A Division II State Championship

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•12/19/24•

HunterShelton_

Syndication: The Abilene Reporter-News
Gunter defensive back Parker Aleman nearly intercepts the pass meant for Wall’s Levi King during Friday’s Class 3A DII semi-final playoff at Abilene Christian University’s Anthony Field Dec. 13, 2024. Final score was 42-32, Gunter.

Texas high school football state title games are underway, and two more champions will be crowned on Thursday.

First up in Arlington is the 3A Division II matchup between Gunter and Woodville. Gunter took a 7-0 lead into halftime, but senior athlete Mitchell Gage doubled the Tigers’ cushion coming out of the break. Gage took the Woodville kickoff 96 yards all the way to the end zone for an electric touchdown:

AT&T Stadium hasn’t seen much offense thus far, as the teams finished the first quarter scoreless. Gunter got on the board early in the second, as quarterback Preston Tarpley connected with Cole Harpole for an 18-yard score. The touchdown was set up by a big punt return.

The Woodville offense remains stymied, as the deficit is now 21-0 following another Tarpley touchdown pass that came not longer after the Gage kick return. Gunter entered Thursday with a 13-2 record, as did Woodville.

Gunter is the No. 57 team in the Lone Star State, according to the On3 Composite Rankings. Woodville entered as the No. 176 team in Texas.

The On3 Composite High School Football Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.