Wall Staves Off Furious Newton Rally for First State Title
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Updated: December 19, 2025
Newton's Miracle Comeback Hits a Wall
The second day of UIL state championship games certainly saved the best for last. Thursday night's 3A-D2 championship game had everyone at AT&T Stadium on the edge of their seats. With less than two minutes remaining, Newton Eagles running back Kendray Porter, Jr. scored a miraculous touchdown and two-point conversion to pull his team within one point of the Wall Hawks. Trailing 25-24 with less than two minutes remaining, Newton attempted an onside kick. The Eagles came within inches of securing the onside kick, but Wall linebacker and running back Jacob Braden secured the ball and his school's first state title.
As Newton Head Coach Drew Johnston said, "It was a tale of two halves." In the first half, the Hawks were dominant. Braden scored the opening touchdown on a three-yard run, and quarterback Landon York threw two touchdowns to receiver Reid Robertson. Even the special teams got in on the scoring. Linebacker Gavin Sisson blocked a punt in the first quarter, and defensive end Dylan Sellers returned the ball 28 yards for a touchdown. Running back Deldrick Samuel scored the lone touchdown of the half for Newton on the Eagles' second drive.
In the second half, Newton found its rhythm. Running back Cavland Hunter capped off a methodical 98-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion late in the third quarter. With momentum turning in favor of the Eagles, the Hawks got a massive stop on Newton's next possession. While running the ball, Kendray Porter ran into his teammate's elbow and fumbled. Wall defensive tackle Koen Braden recovered the fumble, but the Hawks were unable to capitalize.
The drama came to a head in the fourth quarter. After Wall staved off several attempts by Newton, Newton was driving again. With just over two minutes remaining, the Eagles drove into Hawk territory. A personal foul pushed the Eagles back to 4th and 16 on the Hawks 37-yard line, but Samuel connected with Porter for an improbable 37-yard touchdown. After Porter scored the two-point conversion, it all came down to the onside kick. The Eagles briefly got a hand on the kick, but Jacob Braden was determined to get the ball. When asked about the play, Braden said, "I saw the ball and just fought until I got it."
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