Cameron Yoe Silences Critics in Record-Setting 3A DI Title Win

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: December 19, 2014

Photo @burnet44 Pat Carrigan

Cameron Yoe had a lot of unlikely things happen this season - they started the season with very few folks thinking they had a chance at completing the three-peat. They started the season with some losses that had fans scratching their heads. They finished the season with 4 losses - something state champions rarely do. They not only won the state championship over Mineola 70-40, but in doing so tied the record for points scored in a Championship Game. (Stephenville defeated El Campo 70-35 in 2012.)

Sure, not many people expected much from Cameron Yoe despite winning State Championships each of the past two seasons, but Lone Star Gridiron did. In our preseason poll, we had them ranked #2 (only Hallettsville was ranked higher) and expected them to be in the title game. In it they were.

Mineola muffed the opening kickoff and it appeared a sign of things to come. Yoe recovered the loose ball and set about the workman like offense that would come to characterize the game. Cameron jumped out early with three Traion Smith rushing TDs to end the first quarter 21-0.

The second quarter appeared to have Mineola settle in and Cameron focusing on the passing game. Mineola's QB, Jeremiah Crawford became the Yellowjacket offense as he scored twice in the quarter. Crawford's running style was not flashy and didn't feature sharp cuts, just turns that left defenders with poor angles. His deceptive style proved effective all night as he finished the night with 21 carries and 158 yards and two TDs (both in the second quarter.) The Cameron quarter saw two TD passes from QB Reid Nickerson to WR Aaron Sims and one toss to Sicory Smith. Cameron Yoe went into the half up 42-13.

The second half started positive for Mineola when Noah Sneed returned a fumble 61 yards for a score. The Yoeman wasted no time in responding when they scored twice (47 yard pass to Sims and a 19 yard to Smith) within 15 seconds. From there, it was Katy-bar-the-door as Cameron started scoring at will.

When it was all over, Cameron Yoe won 70-40 in front of 13, 561 fans.

Mineola ended an unexpectedly excellent season at 12-4 with their first State Championship appearance. The Yellowjackets are a very young team with 20 Freshmen and Sophomores including QB, Jeremiah Crawford. You have not heard the last of this Mineola team.

Coach Rick Rhoades' Cameron Yoeman have now won three straight State Championships and have a 4-1 overall record in title matches.

Championship Games (5) 4-1