By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
South Central Texas will only have one representative in Arlington this week.
Defending state champion Smithson Valley (14-1) will take on Frisco Lone Star (15-0) in the Class 5A Division I state championship game Thursday at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Frisco Lone Star enters Arlington chasing its first state championship after a dominant, wire-to-wire season. The Rangers rolled through the regular season unbeaten for the second time in program history, pairing explosive offense with a defense that has taken a major step forward. Lone Star is averaging more than 500 yards per game, while allowing just over 16 points per contest.
One year after capturing the program’s first state title, Smithson Valley is back in the championship game and may be even a better team than last year.
Smithson Valley returned the core of last season’s championship defense and have held opponents to 20 points or fewer in all but two games. Their lone loss came against Class 6A San Antonio Brennan, a team that pushed Class 6A powerhouse and state semifinalist Lake Travis in the second round.
Smithson Valley’s playoff path included multiple shutouts before a hard-fought semifinal victory over Port Arthur Memorial, securing another trip to AT&T Stadium.
How they got here
Frisco Lone Star: defeated North Mesquite 49-6, d. Georgetown 42-21, d. West Mesquite 47-20, d. Highland Park 58-38, d. Aledo 56-52.
Smithson Valley: defeated San Antonio Southside 49-0, d. Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial 34-0, d. Comal Pieper 30-14, d. New Braunfels 24-0, d. Port Arthur Memorial 31-28.
Players to watch
Frisco Lone Star: Wide receiver Davian Groce, a Florida signee, headlines the skill group after surpassing 1,400 receiving yards, while Karece Hoyt, a Baylor signee, plays both sides of the ball as a versatile offensive weapon and defensive playmaker. Sophomore quarterback Trey Wright has had a breakout season accounting for more than 5,300 total yards and 58 touchdowns.
Smithson Valley: SMU signee Hudson Woods and UTEP signee Justin Roberts form one of the best defensive duos in the state. They lead a stout defense that returns nearly everyone from last year’s championship team. Offensively, junior quarterback Ty Knutson also has had a breakout season and is complimented by sophomore running back Gunnar Shoquist.
Prediction
Frisco Lone Star’s offensive firepower presents a difficult matchup, but Smithson Valley’s championship experience and defensive consistency loom large, which is why we think Smithson Valley has the slight edge. Prediction: Smithson Valley 28, Frisco Lone Star 24.
