ARLINGTON, Texas — The North Crowley Panthers made history on December 21, 2024, clinching their first Class 6A Division I football championship with a resounding 50-21 victory over the Austin Westlake Chaparrals at AT&T Stadium. This win not only marked the Panthers' second state title overall but also represented the first time since 1948 the largest classification high school football state championship has been won by a Fort Worth school.
Competing before a buzzing crowd of 36,120, North Crowley (16-0) showcased their offensive firepower right from the start. On the very first play of the game, quarterback Chris Jimerson Jr. executed a flea-flicker, delivering a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Gibson, setting the tone for what would be one of the most impactful performances of the season.
Jimerson's exemplary play was instrumental throughout the contest, as he threw for 299 yards, completing 14 of 23 passes, with four touchdown passes to his name. His standout counterpart, Gibson, who is committed to play at the University of Colorado, earned the title of Offensive MVP after racking up 181 yards on seven receptions, scoring three touchdowns, which tied the record for the most touchdown catches by any player in Class 6A championship history.
Head coach Ray Gates expressed immense pride, not just for the victory, but also for the legacy his team is building within the community. 'We wanted to make sure we had a product people would be proud of,' Gates said. 'The city has followed us from the beginning and has been an inspiration.' The Panthers not only gave their all on the field but also represented something greater by delivering this championship title back to Fort Worth.
The game continued to spiral positively for North Crowley, which dominated with 640 total yards of offense, the second highest recorded in 6A championship history, surpassing even previous champions. Running back Cornelius Warren was nearly unstoppable, gaining 217 yards on the ground, part of which included a notable 75-yard touchdown run. His efforts, alongside Jimerson's dual-threat capability, overwhelmed the Westlake defense, which had allowed only 12.3 points per game throughout the season.
Despite Westlake’s efforts to rally, including quarterback Rees Wise accumulating 155 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns, the Chaparrals struggled against North Crowley's speed and offensive maintainability. Westlake managed to respond quickly after the opening touchdown, but the Panthers retaliated with 28 unanswered points, solidifying their commanding lead before halftime.
The day was particularly special for Jimerson, who, as his high school career came to an end, expressed his thrill over the win. 'My mama asked me to do a flip after the game, so I just went out there and did it. I was just so excited,' Jimerson recalled with glee. This jubilant expression was well-deserved after four years of dedication and molding himself as one of the top quarterbacks.
Throughout the game—notably highlighted by Jimerson’s explosive 44-yard touchdown rush and Gibson's continuous highlight worthy plays—the Panthers' strategy of fast-paced and dynamic play was evident. This approach kept Westlake guessing, unable to adjust effectively to North Crowley’s aggressive offensive rhythm.
Warren’s efforts complemented Jimerson’s aerial prowess well, with two other significant offensive stars joining the fray. Daniel Bray, who contributed significantly with multiple receptions, added to the scoreboard with his own 44-yard touchdown reception and contributed to the ground game with another rushing touchdown.
Yet, it wasn’t just the offense making headlines. Sophomore defensive lineman Derrick Gleason was named the Defensive MVP for his tenacious play, including five tackles and forcing turnovers at key moments. This speaks volumes to the depth and talent of the team across all positions.
For Westlake (14-2), coach Tony Salazar acknowledged the challenges his team faced but expressed pride for their perseverance throughout the season. 'You have to keep your chest out and your chin up,' he stated, emphasizing the need to recognize their accomplishments even after this defeat. The Chaparrals aimed for their fifth title but found themselves outmatched on this occasion.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, players and coaches from North Crowley agree this championship is just the beginning of what they hope to establish as a legacy for future generations. Jimerson summed it up perfectly: 'We couldn’t have scripted this any differently. This season has truly been something special.' The team now shifts its focus to the future, with many players graduating but the foundation firmly laid for next year's potential.
With their perfect season complete, North Crowley has not only made headlines but also hearts across Fort Worth and beyond—a proud addition to the storied annals of Texas high school football.
