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Hamilton Bulldogs Win First State Championship

They told running back Halston Haile he would never play football again. Last year, the Hamilton running back suffered a lacerated kidney in the state semifinals and feared his career was over. This year, Hale has gone from hospital bed to 2A-D1 offensive MVP. Haile and the Bulldogs secured their school's first-ever state championship Wednesday night in Arlington with a 21-7 victory over the Joaquin Rams. For the game, Haile totaled 99 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Haile also recorded four solo tackles and seven total tackles.

It was battle of contrasting offensive styles Wednesday night between the Bulldogs and Rams. Joaquin featured a run-heavy slot-T offense featuring a dynamic running back duo of Cooper Bragg and Amarion Wilson. Hamilton, meanwhile featured dynamic spread offense led by Haile and quarterback Carson Roberts. The difference came down to defense. The Bulldogs forced the Rams out of their normal offense and also recovered three fumbles.

The game started well for the Rams. On the opening drive, the Rams ran the ball down the Bulldogs' throats. The Rams drove 65 yards down the field and capped off the drive with quarterback Trenton Runnels's one-yard touchdown keeper. From there, the Bulldogs took over. Carson Roberts connected with tight end Colter Johnson on a 13-yard pass for Hamilton's first touchdown; and Haile scored the next two in the second and third quarters.

Off the field, the big story for Hamilton was the community support. Head Coach Ryan Marwitz said that the town treated it like a holiday with multiple banks and stores closing early. Members of the community also chartered multiple buses to Arlington. At the stadium, the Hamilton faithful filled the first two decks of seats between the 20-yard lines. 

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