Wall's Coach Slaughter Speaks on Matchup with No. 3 Gunter

WALL, TX — The No. 2 Wall Hawks continued to cruise through the playoffs with another win over Idalou in the Regional Final last Friday. With the win, the Hawks enter the state semifinals in a rematch with the team that took them out last season—the three-time defending champions, Gunter.

Check out a preview on that matchup HERE.

Head Coach Craig Slaughter gave his thoughts on the matchup after practice on Monday.

"We know it's going to be a dogfight football game," Coach Slaughter said after practice on Monday. "We competed with them last year, and it did not come out how we wanted it to, but I do think we have benefitted from playing in that environment."

Wall should have their hands full with a Gunter offense that has scored 693 points so far this season.

"I think it's pretty evenly matched," Slaughter continued. "They are going to run the ball right at us. Their running back is an absolute dude, and their O-line's level of execution is absolutely solid."

The game will ultimately come down to who makes fewer mistakes. Whether it be a play on special teams, or on offense, taking care of the football is key to victory.

"Special teams and mistakes are even more imperative than normal," Slaughter concluded. "You can do nothing to help these guys beat you. If you have a couple of turnovers, stalled drives, or a busted coverage—these guys do not need any help [from us] to find success. We want to make them earn everything they get."

Despite the daunting task in front of the Hawks, this year's team feels different. It seemed like last season, the Hawks were possibly just happy to be in the semifinals. In 2025, Wall looks like the team to beat. Kickoff in Friday's matchup against Gunter is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Art Briles Stadium in Stephenville.