Gordon Dynasty Continues With State Title Win Over Rankin

ARLINGTON, TX — The Gordon Longhorns cemented their place as one of the great six-man dynasties in Texas high school football history with a 69-22 win over Rankin on Wednesday in the Class 1A Division I state final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

It was the third straight state championship for Gordon, which joined Richland Springs (2010-12) and Fort Hancock (1988-91) as the only six-man teams to win three straight titles.

The Longhorns, who now have five titles in their history, have won 44 games in a row and 56 of their last 57.

No. 1-ranked Gordon was a huge favorite over a Rankin team making its first-ever appearance in the state final. The unranked Red Devils had knocked off three Top 10 teams during their playoff run, including a 54-46 win over No. 2 Water Valley in the state semifinals, but they were simply overmatched by the Longhorns from the start.

Gordon held Rankin to five yards on four plays on its opening drive, and the Longhorns took just one play to cash in when Noah Kostiha found Asher Salinas for a 25-yard touchdown pass.

Gordon raced out to a 24-0 lead after only 4:26 and led 32-8 by the end of the first quarter. The Longhorns extended the lead to 55-16 by halftime.

Gordon then ended the game by the 45-point mercy rule with 6:46 left in the third quarter when Stryker Reed broke free for a 44-yard TD run.

Reed, who had seven carries for 160 yards and four TDs, was named the game’s Offensive MVP.

Brayden Walters, who had 11 tackles and an interception, was the Defensive MVP.

Gordon's incredible offense scored seven TDs on only 14 plays.

Gordon finished the season 14-0 and will try to join Fort Hancock next year as the only six-man team to win four titles in a row.

Rankin ended its year with a 12-3 record.

Ry Reed had two TD runs and a TD catch for Gordon, while Kostiha threw three TD passes.

Rankin's Matthew Ramos had 15 carries for 78 yards and two TDs to lead the Red Devils.

Rankin's Jairo Cruz recovered an onside kick to start the second half, and Gage Lopez hit Issac Armendarez for a 15-yard score to prevent the Red Devils from quickly being 45'd.

It only took one play, however, for Gordon to strike right back on a 42-yard TD pass from Kostiha to Ry Reed.

After a stop by Gordon's defense, the Longhorns ended the game with another one-play drive on Stryker Reed's 44-yarder.

Stryker Reed has committed to play for the Air Force Academy, while Ry Reed has committed to Army. Walters is also receiving significant college interest. Most six-man players never play collegiately, so having three players on one team indicates why this team is so unique.

Gordon 69, Rankin 22

Rankin   8   8   6   x — 22

Gordon   32   23   14   x — 69

First Quarter

G - Asher Salinas 25 pass from Noah Kostiha (Salinas kick), 8:27 remaining

G - Ry Reed 1 run (Salinas kick), 6:32

G - Brayden Walters 19 pass from Kostiha (Salinas kick), 5:34

R - Matthew Ramos 20 run (Heath Amthor kick), 2:03

G - Ry Reed 48 run (Salinas kick), 1:48

Second Quarter

G - Stryker Reed 68 run (Salinas kick), 6:37

R - Ramos 1 run (Amthor kick), 5:17

G - S. Reed 3 run (Salinas kick), 4:34

G - S. Reed 12 run (Hudson Campbell run), :43

Third Quarter

R - Issac Armendarez 15 pass from Gage Lopez (kick blocked), 9:11

G - R. Reed 42 pass from Kostiha (Salinas kick), 8:56

G - S. Reed 44 run (game over), 6:46