Fort Worth, Texas – The Class 6A Division I finals kicked off with a thrilling matchup between the storied Westlake program and the rising North Crowley Panthers on Saturday night. The game brought a buzz of excitement as North Crowley, fresh off a narrow 36-34 victory against Duncanville, aimed to secure their first title in UIL’s largest classification since Arlington Heights last won in 1948.
North Crowley entered the matchup ranked No. 4 in the SBLIVE/SI Top 25 football rankings, while Westlake, a four-time champion, moved up to No. 6. The stakes were high, with expectations of drawing over 30,000 fans for what was anticipated to be one of the marquee games across the country.
The Panthers roared out of the gate, with quarterback Chris Jimerson Jr. throwing a remarkable 75-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Gibson on the very first play. Just a few minutes later, Westlake answered back with a touchdown of their own, tying the game 7-7. However, North Crowley reclaimed the lead as Jimerson scored on a 44-yard run, making the score 14-7.
A crucial moment unfolded in the second quarter when North Crowley forced a turnover and recovered a fumble, maintaining their lead. They went on to score two more touchdowns before halftime, ending the first half with a solid 28-7 lead.
Continuing their offensive dominance into the second half, North Crowley demonstrated their prowess on the field, extending their lead to 35-7. Despite Westlake’s attempts to rally, including a touchdown run by Rees Wise, the Panthers were relentless, pushing the score to 50-21 after another touchdown in the final minutes of the game.
When the final whistle blew, North Crowley had made history, winning their first state championship in the largest classification, demonstrating not only their readiness to compete at the highest level but also solidifying their place in Texas high school football.
Players to watch included Jimerson, who showcased his skills with four touchdown passes, and Quentin Gibson, who turned in a spectacular performance with 181 receiving yards and three touchdowns, earning him the title of Offensive MVP. On the defensive side, Derrick Gleason also made an impact, being recognized as the Defensive MVP.
This championship win marks a new era for North Crowley as they celebrate this significant milestone in their school history.
