Rankin High School BBQ Team Heads to State Cookoff

RANKIN, TX- The Rankin High School BBQ team is heading to the state championships this weekend.

“Out of my three teams, they took first, second, and third, in chicken which made all the other schools look at us pretty hard like, wow, and then they turn around and take first, second, and third in the brisket category too. So they kind of cleaned house in the brisket and chicken really well but they practice a lot.” said BBQ coach Robbie McClure.

Three of Rankins teams, It’s Kickin‘ Ash, Hot & Ready, and Fire Devils Smokers all qualified for state. 60 other schools in Texas are expected to compete.

They also have earned $67,000 in scholarships since January.

The team has learned by cooking for the community and school activities.

“We’ve been cooking for a long time, maybe my freshman year. Since then I’ve wanted to join the barbeque, I don’t know, I just had a love for cooking. It runs in my family.” Senior David Alvarado said.

The championship starts on Saturday, April 29th, at 4:30 a.m. in Llano.