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Celina & Katy Race to Record Books

First things first.  There is a lot of debate over Celina's 1974 tie for the state title with Big Sandy (Big Sandy 0, Celina 0.)  Purist have said that because a tie counts statistically as 1/2 a game, it cannot be count as a win.  Others say that since the UIL awarded them Co-Champion status, it counts.  This debate will go on forever so let's just say it doesn't count as a true State Championship.  State Champion ≠ Co-Champion!

Back in 2008, I was at the State Championship game between Carthage and Celina when it appeared they were poised to become the first team in Texas high school football history to win 8 State Championships.   It was a great game that was undecided until late in the second half when Carthage took control of the game en route to a 49-38 victory.  At that time the Katy Tigers had five titles.  Shortly thereafter, Katy won their 6th over Wylie 17-3.

Since that time, Southlake Carroll won their 8th State Championship by defeating Fort Bend Hightower in 2011.  In 2012 Katy knocked off Cedar Hill 35-24 in the first meeting between the two tying them with Celina at 7 Championships.

Southlake Carroll was eliminated from the playoffs this year when they lost to Euless Trinity. Both Celina and Katy still have an opportunity to become the second team to win 8 state championships - let's take a look at how things stack up for them.

Celina's route:

  • Must defeat Gilmer this weekend
    • Celina (12-2) vs. Gilmer (14-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Gerald Ford Stadium, SMU
  • Must beat the winner of West Orange-Stark and Sinton

Katy's route:

  • Must knock offCibolo Steele this weekend
  • Must beat the winner of Cedar Hill & Spring Westfield

Celina's outlook:

Gilmer appears to me to be the biggest challenge the Bobcats face for the rest of the season.  They are the only undefeated team among all the teams mentioned in this article and they have been destroying competition.

This Celina team is having one of those dream seasons - when a head coach (Bill Elliott) is coaching a star QB son (Nathan Elliott) in his senior season.  If they manage to win the State Championship, it will be the perfect ending to a dream season.

As the Class 4A Championship games will be played one day before the Class 6A - Celina could well win their 8th State Championships ahead of Katy.  It will be a tough and well-earned title if it happens.

Katy's outlook:

All eyes are focused on a rematch for the third straight season between Katy and Cedar Hill.  The two have split in the previous two matchups.

I feel confident that Cedar Hill will be there and just as we predicted before the season started, Katy will too.  That said, in the preseason I ranked Katy ahead of Cedar Hill and I have to stand by that.  I think Katy will win their 8th State Championship.

So what are your thoughts?  Does Celina already have 8?  Will Celina win another this year?  Will Katy win another this year?  Did you play football for either of these teams (or any high school team in Texas)?  Sign up for The Brotherhood of Texas High School Football

by Chris Doelle
www.lonestargridiron.com

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