The Malakoff Tigers capped an undefeated 16-0 season with a hard-fought 14-7 victory over defending champions Franklin Lions, securing the 3A Division I state championship. Malakoff’s stifling defense and timely offensive plays were the keys to victory in a game dominated by defensive prowess on both sides.

Early Momentum for Malakoff

Malakoff set the tone early, forcing Franklin to punt on the opening drive. Led by junior quarterback Mike Jones, the Tigers’ offense launched an efficient march downfield. Jones capped the drive with a perfectly placed 32-yard touchdown pass to Chauncey Hogg, putting Malakoff ahead 7-0 midway through the first quarter.

Franklin had chances to respond, including a promising drive to Malakoff’s 6-yard line, but the Tigers’ defense stood firm. A critical goal-line fumble recovery thwarted Franklin’s best scoring opportunity of the first half. Both defenses dug in for the remainder of the half, leaving Malakoff with a slim 7-0 lead at the break.

Second-Half Strikes

Malakoff wasted no time extending their lead in the third quarter. After an early penalty moved the Tigers near midfield, Jones connected with Hogg again, this time for a 41-yard touchdown that pushed the lead to 14-0.

Franklin finally found the end zone later in the quarter with a methodical 11-play, 74-yard drive. Quarterback Cort Lowry delivered a clutch 20-yard pass to Devyn Hidrogo on fourth down, setting up a 5-yard touchdown run by Jayden Jackson to bring the Lions within a score, 14-7.

Defensive Stand Seals the Win

Franklin’s final chance came in the fourth quarter when a facemask penalty moved the Lions deep into Malakoff territory. However, a series of penalties and a failed trick play on fourth down sealed their fate. Malakoff’s defense held firm, taking over at their own 15-yard line.

The Tigers ran out the clock with a critical first down and secured their first state championship in program history.