State Bound Stamford Holds Off Late Hamilton Rally in Semifinals

MINERAL WELLS, Texas — Stamford is state title game-bound for the first time since 2013 after holding off a late Hamilton rally and beating the Bulldogs 28-13.

The Bulldogs in blue forced a Hamilton punt on the first possession of the game and quickly drove the field to take the lead, capping their drive with a 13-yard Christian Duran touchdown run on 4th down.

Hamilton drove the field to try to tie, but an 11-play drive ended in a turnover on downs, and the first quarter ended with Stamford up 7-0.

Stamford got the only touchdown of the second quarter when Kaston Vega took it in from six yards out. They did leave some points on the board, however, turning the ball over on downs twice, including at the one-yard line as time ran out in the second quarter.

Stamford extended the lead to 21-0 midway through the third quarter when Duran found Cle Whitfield for a 26-yard touchdown.

Hamilton got on the board for the first time early in the fourth as Jaxon Edwards launched a 72-yard touchdown pass to Pierce Summers with 11:20 to go in the game.

Hamilton got the ball back after another Stamford turnover on downs but could not cash in, turning it back over on downs themselves.

The Stamford offense was forced to punt, and this time Hamilton took advantage. Isaac Wood took it in from 26-yards out, and Hamilton got within 21-13 after the extra point was blocked with 3:53 to play.

Stamford recovered the Hamilton onside kick attempt and was able to pick up some key first downs, and Duran added another touchdown run to put the nail in the coffin in a 28-13 victory.

Cle Whitfield sealed the victory with an interception. Braden Jimenez added two interceptions on defense as well.

Stamford advances to face Ganado in the 2A Division I state championship game on Thursday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Hamilton ends the best season in program history at 14-1.