ARLINGTON, Texas — Next week, high school teams from across the Lone Star State will compete in Arlington for a state title, and North Texas has plenty of representation.
Several teams competed this week for a chance to appear in their respective divisions' state championship games. North Texas high schools have the chance to win nine of the 12 state titles that are up for grabs.
Some teams are defending champions, some are scrappy underdogs. Here's a look at each North Texas team's path to glory.
North Crowley
No. 9 North Crowley stunned No. 3 Duncanville with a 36-34 win inside Eagle Stadium Saturday. In the battle of the Panthers, North Crowley came out on top, snapping Duncanville's hopes for a three-peat and earning their first appearance in the championship game since 2003.
North Crowley will play the Westlake Chaparrals from Austin for the 6A-D1 state championship on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
Southlake Carroll
The Southlake Dragons eeked out a win over the Longview Lobos on Saturday, 20-17. Boasting an undefeated record, Southlake Carroll's 20-17 win against Longview was the team's closest contest of the season. Their next closest margin of victory was an 8-point win over Trinity.
This will be Southlake Carroll's first championship appearance since 2020-21 when Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers was on the team. They're aiming for their first win since 2011-12.
Southlake Carroll will play the Vandegrift Vipers out of Austin for the 6A-D2 state championship on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m.
Highland Park
The Highland Park Scots got a last-minute 24-21 win over the Ryan Raiders to advance to the 5A-D1 state championship.
With six seconds left on the clock, the Scots kicked in a field goal to secure the win and advance to their first title game since 2018, where they won their third straight state championship. The 14-1 Scots' only loss this year came against a team from Colorado.
Highland Park will play the Smithson Valley Rangers out of Spring Branch for the 5A-D1 state championship on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m.
South Oak Cliff
The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears put on a dominant performance, beating the Argyle Eagles in a 37-3 beatdown.
The Golden Bears are no stranger to a title game. South Oak Cliff will advance to the 5A-D2 state championship to compete for their third title in four years. Last season, their three-peat was cut short by Port Neches-Grove.
Now, South Oak Cliff will have a shot at redemption. South Oak Cliff will compete against the Randle Lions out of Richmond for the 5A-D2 state championship on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
Celina
The Celina Bobcats capped off an undefeated season with another win. Celina beat Canyon West Plains 43-36 to secure their first-ever appearance in the 4A-D1 state championship game.
Celina's 15-0 season was its first undefeated run since 2007 when it won the 3A-D2 state championship.
Celina will play the Kilgore Bulldogs for the 4A-D1 state championship on Friday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.
Malakoff
The Malakoff Tigers beat the Paradise Panthers 27-19 to advance to the 3A-D1 state championship game.
Malakoff is looking to go back-to-back after beating the Franklin Lions last season for the state title.
Malakoff will play the Columbus Cardinals for the 3A-D1 state championship on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Gunter
The Gunter Tigers beat the Wall Hawks 42-32 to earn their spot competing in the 3A-D2 state championship game.
Gunter is going for the three-peat this year after back-to-back wins over the past two seasons.
Gunter will play the Woodville Eagles for a chance to win three straight in the 3A-D2 state championship on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m.
Muenster
The Muenster Hornets knocked off the Gruver Greyhounds with a 49-26 win to advance to the 2A-D2 championship.
Muenster's last appearance in the 2A-D2 championship game was in 2017 when they beat Tenaha to win it all.
Muenster will take on the Shiner Comanches in the 2A-D2 state championship on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Gordon
The Gordon Longhorns bucked the Abbott Panthers in a 77-36 smackdown on Saturday to move on to the 1A-D1 state title game.
Gordon is aiming for two straight state championships after beating Westbrook last year, cutting the Wildcats' three-peat short in a 64-20 win.
Gordon will take on the Whiteface Antelopes in the 1A-D1 state championship on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.
