ARLINGTON – Terry Bussey and the Timpson Bears had been waiting to hit the big stage.
After dropping out in the state semifinals each of the past three seasons, Bussey and the Bears finally pushed through and reached the program’s first state championship game. Then once they started playing on Wednesday, Timpson was too dominate against fellow state newcomer Tolar.
Bussey, Mr. Texas Football 2022 and 5-star Texas A&M commit, accounted for over 400 yards and six touchdowns as Timpson beat the Rattlers 49-7 in the Class 2A Division 1 final at AT&T Stadium.
Bussey, who was voted state champ offensive MVP, was 12 of 14 passing for 311 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran 10 times for 155 yards with two more scores.
Timpson’s Tyler Lane was voted defensive MVP with 12 solo tackles, 17 total tackles and one sack.
After Tolar (14-2) pulled within 21-7 in the third quarter, the Bears scored the final 28 points.
The Bears D held Tolar to a punt on the opening drive and then went 83 yards for the first score. After back up to its own 12, Bussey rushed for a gain of 14 and 12 on back to back plays. Three plays later and Bussey connected with Colton Carroll on a 43-yard touchdown and 7-0 lead.
Another Tolar punt pinned Timpson at the 3, but it took only one play for the Bears to make some history. Bussey hit Dacorian Johnson on a slant and the latter turned on the jets for a record breaking 97 yard touchdown in the second quarter.
It was the longest passing and receiving touchdown in a UIL state championship game all time – in any class. The previous 2A record was 96 by QB Deroderick Strickland and WR Zach Massingill of Big Sandy in 2005.
Four drives later and Bussey and Timpson made more history.
Again, pinned deep in their own territory at the 4, Bussey picked up three yards to the 7. Then on the next play, Bussey rushed down the left sideline, cut back inside and scored a 93-yard touchdown to give the Bears a 21-0 lead, which they took to halftime.
The 93-yard run TD was the longest in a 2A state final all time, breaking a 36-year record – 90 by Bremond’s Tim Scott in 1987. It was also tied for the sixth longest in any championship, any class.
The Rattlers, which was in their first state championship game, began the second half on the positive side. They recovered an onside kick and capped off a 10 play 43 yard drive with a touchdown by QB Isaac Blessing to cut the lead to 21-7.
But then Timpson scored four straight touchdowns – three coming in the third quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, Amari Bruton returned it 78 yards for a Timpson touchdown and 28-7 lead. Then Bussey scored on a 6-yard run for a 35-7 lead at the 4:22 mark. Two minutes later and the lead grew to 42-7 on Bussey’s 44-yard TD pass to Johnson.
The final score came early in the fourth on Bussey’s 36-yard pass to Bruton.
Johnson finished with six catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Timpson gained 489 yards of total offense. The Bears only held the ball for 16 minutes and 33 seconds compared to Tolar’s 31+ minutes.
The Rattlers state championship appearance was the school’s first for any team sport.
Blessing rushed 32 times for 108 yards and added 71 yards through the air.
Timpson’s D was also led by JaCaydan Adams, who had 13 tackles and five for loss. Nate Scourton and Bruton had interceptions.
