A clash of Texas UIL defending state football champions slated for Sept. 12 has been moved to a much larger venue to accommodate what should be a huge crowd.
Celina ISD
The match-up between Class 3A Division II state champion Gunter and Class 4A Division II state champion Celina originally scheduled for Gunter’s Tiger Stadium will now be played at the palatial Coach Kenny Deel Stadium in Melissa.
The game was to complete a home-and-home. According to a post on Celina ISD’s Facebook page, Gunter agreed to give up a home game so more fans could attend. Tiger Stadium seats 2,500.
Last season, Celina knocked off Gunter, 38-7, in a home game on its way to a spotless 16-0 season, which included a state title victory over Kilgore, 55-21. The Bobcats have won nine state championships.
The Tigers bounced back from a 1-2 start last season, which also included a loss to Anna, to secure the hardware with a convincing 28-0 over Woodville in the state championship game. Gunter has won three straight state titles and five overall, but the Tigers have a new head coach in Jordan Gill.
Coach Kenny Deel Stadium opened in 2023. The $45 million facility seats 10,000 fans. It is located 19 miles from Celina and 26 miles from Gunter.
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