The highly anticipated 5A DI State Championship matchup features Frisco Lone Star (15-0) facing Smithson Valley (14-1). The game will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium.
Recent Performance
Smithson Valley made a remarkable comeback last week, defeating Port Arthur Memorial 31-28. They trailed 21-10 at halftime, but offensive adjustments led to a strong second half. Quarterback Ty Knutson played a pivotal role, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another score. Special teams also contributed significantly, including a 77-yard kickoff return by Noah Johnson.
Frisco Lone Star pulled off a stunning victory against Aledo, overcoming a late-game deficit. They scored three times in the final minutes to win 56-52. Sophomore quarterback Trey Wright showcased his talent by throwing for 366 yards and five touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 177 yards and three more touchdowns.
Key Players
Frisco Lone Star Highlights
- Trey Wright – The sophomore QB has thrown for 3,764 yards and 42 touchdowns this season, also being the team’s leading rusher.
- Davian Groce – A senior wide receiver and Florida commit, Groce has 1,471 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, emerging as a vital weapon for the offense.
- Marcel Dominguez – The senior defensive end has recorded 34 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks, applying constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Smithson Valley Highlights
- Colton Hornsby – As a senior linebacker, Hornsby leads his team with 123 tackles, along with 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
- Hudson Woods – Fully recovered from a wrist injury, the senior defensive end is ready to impact the game significantly, having committed to SMU.
- Trent Amaya – Known for his kicking ability, Amaya aims to pin Lone Star deep, showcasing accuracy in crucial moments.
Game Dynamics
This championship clash will likely be determined by the pace of the game. Frisco Lone Star boasts a high-scoring offense, averaging 50.4 points per game during the playoffs. If the match turns into a shootout, it heavily favors Lone Star. Conversely, Smithson Valley excels in a defensive battle. If the game stays low-scoring, they could pull off the upset.
Prediction
Experts suggest that Frisco Lone Star has the edge with a predicted score of 35-27. As both teams prepare for battle, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating state championship showdown.
