COMAL COUNTY, Texas — Smithson Valley beat Angleton, 21-14, in the State Semifinals and will now have a shot to do what no other Rangers squad has done in the past... win the whole thing.
The first three quarters were all Smithson Valley as they jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before panicked ensued in the fourth.
With 9:17 remaining in the game, the Rangers were facing a 3rd-and-2 situation where Angleton brought the house and forced a strip-sack that led to a defensive lineman touchdown for Angleton. They went on to miss the PAT, leaving the score at 14-6.
After a quick three-and-out from the Rangers offense, Angleton wasted no time driving down the field and scoring a touchdown, along with a 2-point conversation that knotted the game at 14 with only 4:30 to spare.
Smithson Valley looked to be putting together a promising drive to run the clock out, before a devastating interception along the Angleton sidelines flipped the game on its head.
The very next play saved the Rangers' season as they forced a fumble and got the ball back with just over two minutes left in regulation.
The Rangers put the nail in the coffin with one final touchdown to advance them to their fifth-ever State Championship appearance.
Will the fifth time be the charm?
The 2024 Rangers will have a shot at winning the school's elusive first state title on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium against Highland Park.
