How to watch Columbus vs. Malakoff in Texas high school football state championship: Live stream UIL 3A Division I title game | Sporting News

A team with plenty of offensive firepower meets a team with a vaunted defense and championship experience Thursday night in Arlington, Texas.

High-flying Columbus faces off with defending state champion Malakoff in the UIL 3A Division I title game, set for 7 p.m. at AT&T Stadium.

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The Cardinals (14-1) are making their first-ever appearance in the state title game, and offense has helped pave the way. They scored at least 60 points in each of their first four games, and in their five playoff wins, they averaged 52.6 points.

Columbus is helmed by senior quarterback Adam Schobel, a TCU signee. The Cards were also bolstered in the offseason by the presence of running back Grayson Rigdon, one of the legendary six-man players in state history.

Rigdon won three state titles in six-man at two different schools, the previous two seasons at Benjamin. In last week’s semifinal round, he rushed for four TDs as the Cardinals rolled past Edna, 49-6.

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While Rigdon knows the bright lights of AT&T Stadium, the Cardinals’ opponent also knows what it takes to win there. Malakoff finally won its first state championship last season, and the Tigers haven’t skipped a beat in 2024.

The Tigers have won all 15 of their games leading up to Thursday, and only three teams got within single digits. That included Paradise in last week’s semifinal, which led 19-7 in the second half before the Tigers roared back for a 27-19 win.

Malakoff also benefits from the return of senior quarterback Mike Jones, who was the Offensive MVP in last year’s title game. Jones has thrown for more than 2,500 yards and 38 TDs and has added 1,050 yards rushing and 11 scores.

But an interesting matchup may be the Columbus offense against Malakoff’s defense. The Tigers have allowed just 10.6 points per game, led by linebacker Parker Poteete, the team’s leader in tackles with 145.

Here’s everything you need to know about Columbus vs. Malakoff, including live stream information for the game.

How to watch Columbus vs. Malakoff football

Columbus vs. Malakoff will air live on FanDuel Sports Network Southwest in Texas and surrounding areas.

Columbus vs. Malakoff start time

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 19
• Time: 8 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. CT

The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 19. The game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.