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Richland Springs High School Coyotes – 2020 State Semifinals Champions
Victory is never guaranteed. This is a lesson that any athlete likely knows all too well, and such was the case for the Richland Springs Coyotes as they fought through their final, intense seconds of the State Semifinals game vs. the Strawn Greyhounds. The powerhouse teams have competed at this level against one another many times throughout the years, and the two programs have 13 state titles combined.
Coach Jerry Burkhart reflected on the haunting game from 2003, in which the Coyotes lost in the final two seconds, but was pleased to see his athletes fight to prevent a similar outcome. Both teams have great respect for one another, and the Strawn Greyhounds should be proud of the impressive athleticism and sportsmanship shown against the defending state champs. The Coyotes left the Dublin stadium victorious, with a final score of 59 to 56, and have once again punched their ticket to the State Championship game at AT&T Stadium.
The highlights of this actionpacked game are numerous, but the 17 first downs, interception, fumble recovery, and the sack for a loss of 7 yards certainly make the list as notable. Led once again by the senior leadership from Landon Burkhart, Chase Gos sett, and T.J. Grant, the Coyote offense moved the ball a total of 394 yards over the course of 55 plays, with 139 yards passing and 255 yards rushing. Every disciplined team knows the value of defensive strength, and this showdown was not any different. The Coyote defense was able to capitalize on the three forced turnovers by the Greyhounds, turning these into 23 total points.
Landon Burkhart, #22, had a memorable night, as he rushed for 188 yards with 22 total carries and 3 resulting touchdowns, had 10 completed passes for a total of 104 yards and 1 passing touchdown, and defensive measures including 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, and 2 tackles for loss. Junior, Zane Capps, also proved to be an invaluable part of the Coyote team, with 3 touchdowns, totaling 54 yards rushing and 18 yards receiving. Capps, #8, scored the final touchdown in the fourth quarter, after a 23- yard run, helping to secure the Semifinals victory for Richland Springs.
Junior, Jadeyn Bryant, also showed incredible grit and determination in furthering the team’s season, with 35 yards passing, 26 yards receiving, and over 50 rushing yards between the offensive plays and the fourth quarter fumble recovery that proved to be a turning point in this nail-biting game. Bryant and Capps also made considerable strides on defense, both with 7 tackles each, and Jadeyn adding another sack and tackle for loss to his season’s stats. Chase Gossett, #6, received for an impressive 83 yards, securing one of the Coyote touchdowns, and gained another 11 points with five successful PAT kicks and one passing PAT to receiver Zane Capps.
While this might have seemed like deja vu for some of the coaches and fans, history failed to repeat itself in this case, and the Richland Springs Coyotes successfully secured their spot in the 2020 UIL State Championship game to be held December 16th at AT&T Stadium. The Coyotes currently hold an impressive nine state titles, and they will be defending this legacy against the Balmorhea Bears in just over a week’s time.
The Coyotes and the Bears have been competing together since the days of Pee-Wee football, and consider their teams to be like family, with their steadfast, committed coaches leading the way, as they give all the glory to God. Furthermore, the Coyotes have overcome adversity along the way to this historic moment, and their Coyote Nation family, friends, and supporters wish them all the best in this endeavor.