Marking the end of its historical undefeated season full of grit, determination and Outlaw pride, the Marlow High School football team traveled to the University of Central Oklahoma on Saturday, Dec. 11 to participate in the Class 2A Football State Championships.

The players, coaches and organizations involved were prepared for a brawl against the Washington Warriors—the team’s strongest competitor for their mirrored undefeated season.

The road to Edmond was a sea of navy as Marlow supporters traveled to UCO to support the team in the championships they have not attended since 2006.

The pride of the Marlow community was felt throughout the night as the Outlaws took the lead and never let the Warriors catch up, bringing Marlow its third football state champions title in history.

“Winning was unbelievable, and it had been our goal since we got beat last year,” declared Head Football Coach Matt Weber. “The team had been working towards trying to accomplish that goal, so it was really exciting.”

Fifty-seven years since the Outlaws’ last state champions title, the boys walked onto the field determined to add another victory to the season’s winning streak.

In the first quarter, junior Avrey Payne showcased that determination as he intercepted two passes made by Washington’s quarterback, Major Cantrell.

“The first pass kind of surprised me, but I read the play in the second one and just reacted to it,” stated Payne. “The passes felt great.”

The first quarter’s tug-of-war continued as the two teams traveled back and forth across the field; however, neither the Outlaws nor Warriors came out on top as the second quarter began.

Approximately three minutes into the second quarter, senior Jace Gilbert scored Marlow its first touchdown of the night as he ran thirteen yards into Warrior territory.

Gilbert went on to earn the Outlaws a kick point, bringing the scoreboard to 7-0 and giving Marlow the lead they would never hand over to the Warriors.

“The first touchdown definitely goes to the guys up front in the offensive line. We ran the ball very effectively the whole night,” explained Gilbert. “It felt good to get on the board first and settle into the flow of the game.”

Washington was headstrong as halftime approached, tying the score 7-7 as Kade Norman brought the Warriors their first touchdown of the night with less than two minutes remaining on the clock.

The momentum of the tie motivated supporters, and the UCO Chad Richison Stadium’s crowd of 5,500 erupted as Gilbert passed the ball to senior Kyle Wilson who returned the lead to the Outlaws with halftime’s arrival.

Wilson’s force continued into the third quarter as Washington’s Cole Scott made a 62-yard touchdown before the Warriors’ kick was blocked by Wilson.

“I had the coaches in the back of my head telling our team from day one that one point can change a game, so I put it all on the line for my team and my community,” expressed Wilson. “It was an incredible feeling.”

Wilson’s block kept the lead in the Outlaws’ hands as the game continued into the fourth quarter and the scoreboard read 14-13.

The fourth quarter showcased the determination of both teams with the one-point-difference score, but as the clock continued counting down, the Outlaws continued to show their resilience.

Showing unmatchable defense and teamwork, the Outlaws continued to block the Warriors from making any headway.

With only eight minutes left on the clock, Gilbert scored the last points of the game with a 33-yard field goal, bringing the score to 17-13.

Washington would go on to be only thirty-one yards away from victory, but with only a few minutes left of their last game, seniors Brennan Morgan and William Hewitt did not hold back.

Washington’s Scott took off in a sprint towards Outlaw territory, and Morgan used his adrenaline to his advantage as he took down an opposing offensive lineman, grabbed hold of Scott and consequently got the ball out of Scott’s hands.

Hewitt reacted quickly and took hold of the ball with only a minute and a half left of the game, allowing the clock to run and the Outlaws to win their first football state championship since 1964.

“At first, it felt surreal, and I was in disbelief,” said Assistant Football Coach Jeremy Gage. “It was a ball of emotions. I wanted to cry, laugh and do a cartwheel.”

The Outlaws’ determination brought the Marlow community its third golden football in history, and as members of the community flooded the field, Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association announced the victory over the stadium’s speakers.

The 2021 season broke records with its 15-0 winning streak, and as the golden trophy enters the New Gym’s trophy case, the Marlow community will continue to celebrate the 2021 team that showcases the fighting spirit of Outlaws.