Previewing the Class 4A football championships; China Spring, Boerne, Carthage, Wimberley
The UIL Class 4A football title games will help kick off championship week at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Here is a look at the teams and match-ups:
Games
Division 1
China Spring (14-1) vs. Boerne (15-0), 3 p.m. Friday
Division 2
Carthage (15-0) vs. Wimberley (15-0), 11 a.m. Friday
Teams
China Spring Cougars
District 5-4A champ (4-0)
State championship appearances: 5 (2022, 2021, 2007, 1979, 1978)
Titles: 2
Winning streak: 10 games
Losses: 24-16 vs. Parish Episcopal (Week 5)
Playoff wins: 72-7 vs. Western Hills, 41-7 vs. Kaufman, 41-7 vs. Lake Worth, 31-14 vs. Anna, 33-27 vs. Decatur
Points for: 664 (44.3 per game)
Points allowed: 258 (17.2 per game)
Most points: 72 vs. Western Hills (Bi-District)
Fewest points: 16 vs. Parish Episcopal (Week 5)
Largest margin of victory: 65 (72-7 vs. Western Hills, first round)
Smallest margin of victory: 1 (42-42 vs. Melissa, Week 2)
Boerne Greyhounds
District 14-4A champ (5-0)
Final state ranking: 3
State championship appearances: 1 (2022)
Titles: 0
Winning streak: 15 games
Losses: 0
Playoff wins: 42-13 vs. Taylor, 50-21 vs. Pleasanton, 51-0 vs. Calhoun, 49-19 vs. Calallen, 35-0 vs. Chapel Hill
Points for: 664 (44.3 per game)
Points allowed: 191 (12.7 per game)
Most points: 62 vs. Uvalde (Week 7)
Fewest points: 35 (4 times)
Largest margin of victory: 55 (62-7 vs. Uvalde, Week 7)
Smallest margin of victory: 3 (35-32 vs. Flour Bluff, Week 1)
Carthage Bulldogs
District 8-4A champ (6-0)
Final state ranking: 1
State championship appearances: 10 (2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008, 1991)
Titles: 8 (2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008)
Winning streak: 15 games
Losses: 0
Playoff wins: 42-7 vs. Pittsburg, 61-30 vs. Van Alstyne, 28-7 vs. Gilmer, 45-14 vs. Pleasant Grove, 42-35 vs. Glen Rose
Points for: 725 (48.3 per game)
Points allowed: 188 (12.5 per game)
Most points: 69 vs. Brownsboro (Week 6)
Fewest points: 28 vs. Gilmer (Regional semifinal)
Largest margin of victory: 56 (69-13 vs. Brownsboro, Week 6)
Smallest margin of victory: 7 (42-35 vs. Glen Rose, semifinal)
Wimberley Texans
District 13-4A champ (5-0)
Final state ranking: 6
State championship appearances: 4 (2022, 2019, 2011, 2005)
Titles: 2 (2011, 2005)
Winning streak: 15 games
Losses: 0
Playoff wins: 81-0 vs. San Antonio YMLA, 48-0 vs. Orange Grove, 64-6 vs. Jarrell, 49-30 vs. Lago Vista, 42-36 vs. Cuero
Points for: 681 (45.4 per game)
Points allowed: 207 (13.8 per game)
Most points: 81 vs YMLA (Bi-District)
Fewest points: 17 vs. Fredericksburg (Week 4)
Largest margin of victory: 81 (81-0 vs. YMLA, first round)
Smallest margin of victory: 3 (17-14 vs. Fredericksburg, Week 4)
Prediction
China Spring is trying to do what few have done, win back-to-back state titles in two different classes. The Cougars won the 4A D2 title last season, which was their first time in the final since 2007.
Oddly enough, China Spring and Boerne have scored the same amount points this season, 664 in 15 games.
While the Cougars go for their second in a row, the Greyhounds are looking for their first title in their first appearance. Boerne has fared slightly better on defense, allowing 12.7 points per game.
However, China Spring’s schedule has been tougher with 3A D1 champ Lorena, 4A D1 champ Stephenville, 5A Melissa and TAPPS D1 champ Parish Episcopal.
Boerne Jaxon Baize is among the state’s leading passers with 51 touchdown throws plus nearly 3,500 yards. Braden Baize is his favorite target with nearly 1,200 yards and 20 TDs. Brooks Perez is a nice No. 2 with 674 yards and 10 TDs.
Carthage is one of state’s powerhouse teams.
The Bulldogs are making the trip to state for the fifth time in seven seasons and in four previous title games in that span, Carthage is 4-0. The Bulldogs are tied for third with the most state titles all-time (8). After losing in its first title game appearance, Carthage is 8-0 any time it reaches the big stage.
Wimberley is back at state and looking for its first title since 2011.
The Texans have gained over 6,200 yards this season, led by a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in Cody Stoever (1,157 yards, 20 TD) and Johnny Ball (1,399 yards, 20 TD). Stoever is also Wimberley’s QB and has thrown for 31 TDs.
Score
China Spring 34, Boerne 31
Carthage 42, Wimberley 28
