1A/Six-Man Division I Texas high school football state championship preview: Westbrook vs. May
The 2021 Texas (UIL) high school football state championships kick off Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Here's a preview of the 1A Six-Man DI matchup:
Class 1A/Six-Man Division I Texas (UIL) State Championship Preview
Westbrook Wildcats (10-4) vs. May Tigers (14-0)
11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington
Overview:
May returns to the 1A/Six-Man DI state championship game for the second straight season after losing 68-22 to Sterling City last year. The Tigers will look to take home the state title this year behind the strength of one of the most effective rushing attacks in six-man football around the state. May running backs Kaden Halk and Avery Williford have combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards, while quarterback Luke McKenzie has helped the squad average a staggering 66.8 points per game offensively this season. The Tigers have also proven themselves with several wins against top-tier teams on their way to the state title game. May knocked off Abbott, Jonesboro and Water Valley, three of the top 1A/Six-Man DI teams through Texas, in its last three playoff games. In fact, the Tigers faced their first fourth-quarter deficit of the season in the state semifinals, but rallied for a 50-48 win over AbbottWestbrook, meanwhile, makes its state title game debut riding an eight-game winning streak after a rocky 2-4 start. Two of those regular-season losses were against Motley County and Strawn, who are playing each other in the 1A/Six-Man DII State Championship at 2 p.m. Wednesday at AT&T Stadium. The Wildcats lost to Strawn 68-52 and fell to Motley County 46-30 in their season opener. Westbrook, however, also knocked off reigning state champion Sterling City 60-50 in district play. Running back Cedric Ware led the Wildcats to a 54-20 state semifinals win over Happy with 258 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 22 carries, while quarterback Shammah Stark threw for 129 yards and a touchdown pass. Westbrook’s biggest strength during its winning streak, though, has been its defense, which has held opponents to 20 points or less in five of the team’s last eight wins.
How They Got Here:
- May — W 68-20 vs. Irion County (Bi-District); W 84-55 vs. Jonesboro (Area); W 70-49 vs. Water Valley (Region IV Championship); W 50-48 vs. Abbott (State Semifinals)
- Westbrook — W 64-14 vs. Ira (Bi-District); W 86-38 vs. Rankin (Area); W 44-41 vs. Sterling City (Region II Championship); W 54-20 vs. Happy (State Semifinals)
Head Coach:
- May — Craig Steele (158-56 record in 18th season)
- Westbrook — Homer Matlock (33-24 record in 7th season)
Players to Watch:
- May — QB Luke McKenzie, ATH Kaden Halk, RB Avery Williford
- Westbrook — ATH Cedric Ware
State Championship Appearances (Wins):
- May — 7th (1)
- Westbrook — 1st (0)
Distance to AT&T Stadium:
- May — 146 miles
- Westbrook — 244 miles
Keys to Victory:
- May — Make Westbrook’s offense one dimensional
- Westbrook — Slow down May’s rushing attack
Our Pick:
May
