UIL Football State Championship Previews 3A - 6A
Photographed by: Luka Fraza
The end of the Texas football season is finally here. From Granger Stadium battles to AT&T Stadium spotlight games, the 2025–26 state championship matchups showcase wide open talent, historic programs, and young athletes ready to define their legacies on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Here’s what to watch, who’s favored, and which players could make the difference in each classification.
3A Division I — Grandview vs. Yoakum
Why this matters
Both Grandview and Yoakum earned their spots by blending physical defense with timely offensive punches. Grandview’s balanced attack contrasts with Yoakum’s fast-paced tempo, setting up an intriguing championship dynamic.
Teams to watch
Grandview: Known for disciplined execution and a tough trench game.
Yoakum: Quick strike offense with playmakers across skill positions.
Players to watch
Grandview QB / Lead RB: A dual-threat signal caller who thrives late in games.
Yoakum WR / Defensive Leader: A consistent point-of-attack producer and midfield commander.
What to expect: A tactical battle in the trenches, where turnovers and field position could decide it.
3A Division II — Wall vs. Newton
Why this matters
Wall’s undefeated run meets Newton’s explosive semifinal performance. Wall brings consistency and controlled offense; Newton is coming off a dominant performance that saw them pile up yards at every phase.
Players to watch
Wall’s Lead Back or QB: Known for clutch late-game execution.
Newton’s Isiah Foster (QB): A freshman standout with significant passing efficiency — completing six of seven attempts for 243 yards and three touchdowns in semis.
Newton’s K.J. Porter (RB): A junior tailback with 157 yards and four touchdowns in a semifinal runaway.
What to expect: A contrast of Wall’s disciplined approach vs. Newton’s explosive offensive balance.
4A Division I — Stephenville vs. Kilgore
Why this matters
Stephenville brings a perfect record and a mature roster, while Kilgore has battle-tested momentum from a season filled with tight wins. Both programs emphasize physicality and disciplined defensive play. University Interscholastic League
Players to watch
Stephenville QB/OL combo: A dual engine that controls clock and tempo.
Kilgore Defensive Anchor: A leader who hauls in key stops at crucial times.
What to expect: A strategic chess match where defensive adjustments could decide the difference.
4A Division II — Carthage vs. West Orange-Stark
Why this matters
Carthage enters with an undefeated record and a reputation for rugged defense. West Orange-Stark boasts a resilient offense capable of hitting big plays.
Players to watch
Carthage RB/QB: A workhorse who eats clock and racks up yards.
West Orange-Stark Skilled Athlete: A playmaker who creates explosiveness in space.
What to expect: A finish where the team that wins critical third-down downs and converts in the red zone will likely lift the trophy.
5A Division I — Frisco Lone Star vs. Smithson Valley
Why this matters
One of the marquee matchups of the weekend features undefeated Frisco Lone Star (15–0) and Comal Smithson Valley (14–1) in a game billed as speed vs. structure. Lone Star’s high-octane offense faces Smithson Valley’s disciplined, defense-first identity.
Players to watch
Frisco Lone Star — Trey Wright (QB): A sophomore standout with significant passing and rushing threats.
Frisco Lone Star — Davian Groce (WR): A top receiving target averaging elite yardage.
Smithson Valley — Phillip Smith (Safety): Defensive general with 16 sacks this postseason.
Smithson Valley — Hudson Woods (Edge): Emerging as a force against top-tier offenses.
Smithson Valley — Ty Knutson (QB): A dynamic leader with clutch touchdown passes that fueled their semifinal comeback.
What to expect: A high-tempo scoring battle where explosive plays and defensive stops in critical moments matter most.
5A Division II — Dallas South Oak Cliff vs. Richmond Randle
Why this matters
South Oak Cliff brings power and grit, while Randle enters with a long winning streak and one of the state’s most productive ground games.
Players to watch
South Oak Cliff RB/OL leaders: Physical, downhill runners controlling clock and tempo.
Richmond Randle — Landen Williams-Callis (RB): A junior star with elite rushing capabilities and a dominant postseason run that vaulted him high on Houston-area scoring lists.
What to expect: Power play vs. power play — and a big day for anyone who can win the trenches.
6A Division I — Duncanville vs. Galena Park North Shore
Why this matters
Duncanville faces a long-time rival in North Shore, a program with history and a ferocious defense. North Shore’s ability to stifle elite offenses has been a hallmark of their playoff run.
Players to watch
Duncanville — Lead QB & Defense: A balanced offense with big-play potential.
North Shore — Jayden Curry (Defense): Defensive standout alongside pass rusher Za’Qwaun Nunn, who logged 20 sacks in an earlier semifinal run.
North Shore — Xavier Waters / Lionel Hunter: Key defenders making game-changing plays.
What to expect: Schemes and defense won’t just matter — they could decide the final possession.
6A Division II — DeSoto vs. C.E. King
Why this matters
C.E. King makes its first state title game appearance after ending defending champion Vandegrift’s run behind a balanced attack. DeSoto brings matchup challenges with explosive skill players — a true personal-matchup game of pace vs. power.
Players to watch
C.E. King — Timothy Potts (QB): A versatile weapon with multiple touchdowns both passing and rushing.
C.E. King — Dionne Sims (RB): A multi-touchdown threat who can tilt field position.
DeSoto — SaRod Baker (RB): A dynamic back with postseason yardage and scoring prowess.
DeSoto — Royce McIntosh-Houston (DB/Playmaker): A defensive impact player with return capability.
What to expect: If DeSoto’s explosiveness meets King’s balanced attack, this could be one of the weekend’s most entertaining title bouts.
SEASON STORYLINES HEADED INTO STATE WEEK
Balance of Tradition and Breakouts
Some teams bring decades of tradition into December. Others are arriving with momentum and young rosters peaking at the right time.
Defense vs. Offensive Firepower
Most matchups balance a strong defensive identity against high-octane scoring units — and the winner in December is likely the team that limits explosive plays.
Pressure Moments Make Legends
Championship games are not won on talent alone — they are claimed in situational football when the margin is smallest.