North Crowley High School heads to state championship after 21-year hiatus

FORT WORTH, Texas - North Crowley High School in Fort Worth is headed to the state championship for the first time in 21 years.

Last weekend, the varsity football team beat powerhouse Duncanville for the chance to represent Fort Worth at AT&T Stadium on Saturday.

Head Coach Ray Gates says while it still feels surreal, they've been preparing for this game all season.

"Our focus is straight head. We aren't looking back. At this point, there is only one game," he said.

North Crowley beat Lancaster, DeSoto, Denton-Guyer, Rockwall and, most recently, Duncanville.

All that hard work comes down to Saturday’s matchup at AT&T Stadium for a 6A high school football state title: North Crowley Panthers vs Austin Westlake.

It's just four more quarters and Coach Gates and his team will have rings.

"Nobody will remember what happened in round five. They will remember at the state championship game," he said.

North Crowley High hasn't been to the championship in more than 20 years since 2003.

The team says it’s proud to represent the city of Fort Worth, displaying area code 817 on their helmets.

"Knowing that we have the community behind us, that gives us even more motivation," said senior student Xavier Coleman.

More than 40 seniors make up this special varsity squad.

"We can't just let somebody come in and take something that we built," said senior student Chris Jimerson.

Coach Gates took over the team just three years ago. Now, he’s taking them on to the biggest stage.

"We are kinda the new kid on the block when it comes to being at AT&T Stadium," he said. "We have a point to prove."

However, when that block is in your backyard, it means business.

"Just get the job done," said senior student Cornelius Warren. "Come out on top and get that ring, bring it back to 817." 

The game is this Saturday at 7 p.m. at AT&T Stadium. Tickets are $20.