Cheers filled the gym at New Deal High School on Wednesday morning as the Lions loaded buses bound for Arlington and the Texas State Football Championship.
In a battle of the undefeated, New Deal will face the Mason Punchers in the Class 2A Division I championship game.
It is the first time New Deal football has made it to the state championship, and the entire town is celebrating with them. New Deal ISD has even canceled school on Thursday for everyone who is wanting to make the trip.
Matt Reed is the principal of New Deal High School, and his two sons are playing in this game. He said he has watched these kids grow up, and this is a special moment for him as a dad and school official.
“When I came to New Deal these kids were in kindergarten,” Reed said. “I have been able to watch them grow from then to now, and I will get to do their high school graduation as their principal. It is such an honor and a blessing to see this as a dad and their principal.”
His wife, Christi Reed, said this experience is the perfect way to wrap up their eldest son’s senior year.
“You have taken your kids to practice since they were five,” Reed said. “You pour into them and hope they learn and enjoy sports and this is just the highlight. Getting to watch them experience this is so fun.”
New Deal hopes to be 16-0 and bring back the state title, but Reed said either way the town will be talking about this season for years to come.
“It is a special memory for these kids and something they will talk about for the rest of their life,” Reed said. “It is just an amazing experience they are getting to do as New Deal Lions. They are representing our community and our school, and I could not be more proud of these kids.”
The Lions play at 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Watch the game on Fox Sports Southwest.