CLASS A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
EDMOND — Here's how Hooker and Fairview match up in the Class A state championship game.
No. 4 Hooker (12-2) vs. No. 1 Fairview (14-0)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Chad Richison Stadium, 100 E. University Drive, Edmond
Live streaming: Available via the NFHS Network, requires a subscription
Tickets: $11.50 via GoFan mobile ticketing app (accessible through the ossaa.com homepage and “FOOTBALL” page) or $13 cash at the gate
Coaches
Hooker: Trevor Powers (seventh season) Fairview: Robert Bernard (ninth season)
How they got here
Hooker: 43-13 against Mangum, 21-20 against Minco, 41-0 against Central Sallisaw, 27-24 against Hominy Fairview: 62-6 against Hobart, 19-7 against Crescent, 56-20 against Stroud, 27-6 against Woodland
All-time record: Fairview leads 10-4, according to I Was At The Game Previous meeting: Fairview defeated Hooker, 56-22, in Week 4 district matchup this season
State championship history
Hooker: Zero titles in zero appearances Fairview: Three championships in three appearances, last appearance in 2022
Player to watch
Hooker: Justin Palacios, freshman running back. In his first high school season, Palacios is having a breakout year on both sides of the ball. He totaled 18 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown in Hooker's 27-24 semifinal win against Hominy, and he registered two tackles and two pass breakups on defense. Palacios is averaging 119 rushing yards per game.
Fairview: Jax Bernard, junior quarterback. The coach's son has led Fairview to the state finals for the second straight season. Bernard has a completion percentage of 66.8 with 3,149 passing yards and 45 touchdowns. His stat line also features 81 carries for 740 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Keys to victory
Hooker: Stop Fairview's offense early. If the Yellowjackets gain quick momentum, then they're likely to run away with a win. Fairview has averaged 51.9 points per game this season, so the Bulldogs will need to have their defense in top form.
Fairview: Be ready to match the Bulldogs' physicality. Trevor Powers mentioned his team's tough, physical style of play as a key part of its identity, and Fairview coach Robert Bernard said it stood out during their regular-season matchup. This time, the gritty Bulldogs will have an extra chip on their shoulders since they're looking to avenge that loss.