Stamford, a program that dates back to 1913, will be playing in its eighth state title in school history on Thursday morning in the Class 2A Division I finals.
The Bulldogs won titles in 1955, 1956, 1958, 2004, 2012, 2013 and was a runner-up in 2011. They also won the 1959 4A title but later forfeited it.
Stamford punched the ticket to state with a 28-13 win over Hamilton — a win that was not locked up until late in the game. RB Christain Duran scored with 1:32 left to ice the victory.
Ganado has won 11 in a row and has dominated foes in four of the five postseason games — the exception was a close 14-6 win against Refugio in the third round. The Indians dispatched Joaquin, the last No. 4 seed in the playoffs, 35-14 last week. Ganado QB Bryce Ullman ran for a score and threw two scores to Cain Hayden.
Ganado is in the UIL finals for the first time after losing five previous semifinal games — including last year to eventual state champion Timpson.
Follow along below for live updates from the Class 2A-Division I state finals between Ganado and Stamford, scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 19, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
First Quarter Updates
Ganado won the toss and deferred. Stamford will get the ball to start. About to start Day 2 at Jerry's World
TURNOVER! Interception by Cain Hayden and he runs it back to the Stamford 14-yard line. 10:36 left in 1st.
TOUCHDOWN GANADO! Turnover turns into points. Indians strike first. QB Bryce Ullman runs it in from the 6. Joe Rodriguez kicks PAT. Ganado 7, Stamford 0. 9:09 left
Stamford converts a 4th down to keep a drive going on a keeper by Christian Duran
TOUCHDOWN STAMFORD! Duran connects with Bryaden Jimenez who was WIDE OPEN for a 36-yard TD. 2:46 left. Stamford 7, Ganado 7
STAMFORD ANSWERS! Christian Duran finds Brayden Jimenez WIDE OPEN to tie it at 7 in the 1Q.
Watch on FanDuel Sports Network.#txhsfb #uilstate #stamford pic.twitter.com/eexhI2ORg3
END OF 1ST QUARTER: Stamford 7, Ganado 7
2ND QUARTER
Ullman scores on a 17-yard run but a penalty negates it with 10:29 to go
Indians are now facing a 3rd-and-27 after a delay of game penalty.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS! Incomplete pass on 4th down. Stamford gets the ball at the 26-yard line …once we return from a media/TV timeout. 8:27 to go in 2nd
Logan Bures with a punt return for Ganado down to the 19-yard line. Jimenez makes TD-saving tackle for Stamford. Indians set up in a good spot with 7:08 left
TOUCHDOWN GANADO! Bryce Ullman to Cain Hayden for a 13-yard TD. PAT is good. Ganado back ahead with 5:42 to play. Ganado 14, Stamford 7
TURN ME UP, BRYCE!! Ganado retakes the lead after this dot from the Indian quarterback!#txhsfb #uilstate #ganado pic.twitter.com/eUhktwA2Mk
Ullman converts a 3rd-and-11 for Ganado with a 17-yard run. Ball at the Stamford 34 now. 1:40 left in 1st half.
Ganado calls a timeout with 1:38 left
TURNOVER ON DOWNS! Ganado goes for it on 4th and 2 and comes up short. 29 seconds left in 2nd
Stamford calls timeout at own 44-yard line with 19 seconds to go
TURNOVER! On the final play of the first half, Cain Hayden intercepts a pass in the end zone. The play is under review.
After video review, Ganado ball with 2 seconds left at the 2-yard line.
HALFTIME: Ganado 14, Stamford 7
Notable stats at the break: Ganado 117 yards of total offense; Stamford with 129
Time of possession— Ganado 12:20; Stamford, 11:40
Third-down attempts; Ganado 5-for-7; Stamford, 1-for-5
Fourth-down attempts: Ganado, 0-for-2; Stamford, 1-for-1
3RD QUARTER
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Cody Thorn is a veteran journalist who covers high school sports across the state of Texas and Missouri. He is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has covered sports and news since 1999.
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