BY LARRY MCCARTY l FOR THE A-J

ABILENE — Borden County completed its mission of winning back-to-back six-man Division II state championships Saturday with a strong defensive performance, knocking out Highland, 28-14, at Shotwell Stadium.

The Coyotes won their 30th consecutive game over the past two seasons and the third state title in school history. Borden County also claimed the championship in 1997, when the format was only one division.

It also was the lowest-scoring six-man championship game with 42 combined points. The previous record came in 2001 when Whitharral defeated Richland Springs, 27-20.

“We found a way to win against a good team,” Coyote head coach Trey Richey said. “They stepped up and made big plays. We proved that six-man teams can play defense, too.”

Borden County stopped the Hornets twice in the red zone on Karl Lamming’s pick at the 5-yard line and held on downs at the 19.

The game’s first score came on a turnover midway through the opening quarter. Highland held the Coyotes on downs at the 3 and marched to a first down at the Borden County 35.

Highland quarterback Jordan Basye attempted to throw deep, but Coyote cornerback Tony Soto made a leaping interception at the 30 and returned it 50 yards for the score.

The Hornets responded with an eight-play, 67-yard drive to tie the score. Tanner Martin caught a 4-yard pass from Basye for the touchdown. Cameron Cox’s kick tied the score.

Miles Valentine put Borden County in position before halftime when he scrambled 23 yards for a first-and-goal at the 9. Valentine stepped out of bounds with one second left in the first half.

After a timeout, Flynn Chapman kicked a 26-yard field goal for a 12-8 halftime margin.

With senior tailback Michael Cooley slowed down by illness, Chapman took matters into his hands and ran twice for scores in the second half. Chapman rambled 48 yards midway through the fourth quarter after Highland cut the lead to 20-12.

“I told Flynn he had to make an unbelievable play,” Richey said. “When he got to the end zone and then kicked the extra point, I told him, ‘That’s it, we are going to win this game, baby.’ He made a big play in a big moment.”

Chapman moved to tailback before his long TD run when Cooley needed a break.

“That was the second or third time this year we ran the play,” Chapman said. “Austin Fields had a great cut block and the hole was wide open. I was barely touched.”

Cooley, despite his battle with illness, finished with 19 carries for 141 yards.

After winning back-to-back titles, Borden County probably will not get an opportunity at a three-peat. Realignment is expected to place the school in Division I.

Whether or not the Coyotes move up, Richey said the last two years always will be special.

“It has been a battle all season and not as easy as people think,” Richey said. “It was tough to keep the players’ focus every week.

“We were sluggish in the regular season but picked it up in the playoffs. We made enough plays to come away with a state championship.”

SIX-MAN DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
at Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
BORDEN COUNTY 28, HIGHLAND 14
Borden County 0 12 8 8 — 28
Highland 0 8 0 6 — 14
Second Quarter
BC—Tony Soto 50 interception return (Flynn Chapman kick); 4:53
HIG—Tanner Martin 4 pass from Jordan Basye (Cameron Cox kick); 1:06
BC—Chapman 26 FG; :01
Third Quarter
BC—Chapman 8 pass from Miles Valentine (Chapman kick); 4:23
Fourth Quarter
HIG—Thomas Stewart 12 pass from Basye (kick blocked); 4:02
BC—Chapman 48 run (Chapman kick); 3:48
TEAM STATISTICS
BC HIG
First downs 12 13
Rushes-yards 32-288 26-149
Passing yards 40 191
Comp.-att.-int. 2-10-0 12-30-3
Punts-avg. 1-44 1-35
Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0
Penalties-yards 3-35 4-30