Stamford Bulldogs Hold Off Hamilton's Late Surge, Punch Ticket to State Championship

In a thrilling state semifinal showdown at Ram Stadium Thursday night, Stamford had to fend off a fierce rally from previously undefeated Hamilton, holding on for a 28-13 victory. The Bulldogs, who had dominated much of the game, suddenly found themselves clinging to an 8-point lead with just under four minutes to go, as Hamilton mounted a late charge with back-to-back touchdowns. The win sends the Bulldogs to the UIL State Championship for the first time since 2013 — and their journey is far from over.

Early Dominance Sets the Stage

Stamford came out of the gates with all the fire of a team on a mission. They scored on their first two possessions, taking a commanding 14-0 lead early in the first half. On their opening drive, senior quarterback Christian Duran showcased his playmaking ability, faking a handoff and juking past defenders for a 13-yard touchdown run on a gutsy fourth-and-6 call. The Bulldogs quickly struck again, with Duran connecting with senior running back Cle Whitfield for a 6-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Stamford’s offense was clicking, and they looked poised to dominate.

But Hamilton wasn’t about to go quietly.

The Bulldogs from Hamilton — unbeaten on the season and hungry for a shot at the state title — turned in a pair of critical defensive stops, including a game-changing fourth-down pass deflection in the red zone. Stamford had a chance to extend their lead before halftime but couldn’t punch in a touchdown on a QB sneak attempt from the 1-yard line as time expired.

Hamilton Fights Back

The fourth quarter became an all-out battle for momentum. After a defensive stalemate in the third quarter, Hamilton found a way to get back into the game, and they did it with a bang. Quarterback Jaxon Edwards launched a 70-yard bomb to wide receiver Pierce Summers, who sprinted past the Stamford defense to pull Hamilton within a touchdown at 21-7 with 11:20 left to play.

Hamilton wasn’t done yet, and with 3:53 left in the game, they struck back again with a 21-yard touchdown run from Wood. The extra point was blocked, keeping the score at 21-13, and Hamilton still had hope.

Duran and Whitfield Seal the Deal

With the game hanging in the balance, Stamford’s veterans stepped up in the final moments to ice the game. Duran, who had been a dual threat all night with both his arm and his legs, took over with a decisive 9-yard touchdown run, giving Stamford a 28-13 lead with 92 seconds remaining.

Then, just when it seemed like Hamilton might have one more chance, senior safety Cle Whitfield delivered the final blow, intercepting a pass with just 12 seconds left to secure the victory and send Stamford to the state finals.

A Historic Journey

This win was more than just a ticket to the championship. It was a statement. Stamford, led by head coach Wayne Hutchinson, who is making his fourth trip to the state finals. With this victory, Hutchinson has guided Stamford back to the top after leading them to three consecutive state championship appearances from 2011 to 2013.

The Bulldogs have not trailed a single second in the postseason, and this win — their fifth consecutive wire-to-wire playoff victory — was their narrowest of the 2024 playoffs, showing that Stamford can win both with style and grit when it counts the most.

Up Next: The State Championship Awaits

With a 15-0 record and the momentum of an undefeated season, Stamford now shifts its focus to the state championship. On December 19, at 11 a.m., the Bulldogs will face the 14-1 Ganado Indians at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with the 2A Division I title on the line. It's a showdown that promises to be a classic, and Stamford is hungry for the ultimate prize.

For Hamilton, this loss ends a nearly perfect season. The Bulldogs finished the regular season undefeated, won the District 5-2A DI title, and captured the Region II-2A DI crown, but fell just short of their state title dream.

Stamford’s title hopes are alive. The Bulldogs are just one game away from making history — and you won’t want to miss it.