BY: LANDON SAMS
The Benjamin Mustangs, heavily favored, entered the Class 1A Division II state championship against Loraine at AT&T Stadium, finding themselves in a familiar position. This season, Benjamin had grown used to this status, starting as the preseason No. 1 and maintaining their dominance throughout. In a decisive 68-20 victory over Loraine (13-2), the Mustangs (14-0) secured Benjamin’s inaugural state football championship, ending the game with 6:16 remaining in the third quarter.
Throughout the contest, the Mustangs’ offense displayed utter dominance, scoring on all nine possessions. Grayson Rigdon, named Offensive Player of the Game, spearheaded this with a phenomenal performance. The remarkable sophomore rushed for 255 yards and notched five touchdowns on merely 10 carries, complemented by completing both of his passes for 88 yards and two scores.
Rigdon’s impact stretched beyond offense, as he was instrumental in securing victory. His forceful play led to a critical fumble, swiftly converted into a touchdown by teammate Brody White just seconds before halftime.
Nicholas Stovall emerged as the Defensive Player of the Game, contributing 11 tackles and a sack. Despite Loraine’s initial success with three scores in four possessions, they failed to register any points beyond the 9:31 mark of the second quarter.
