Landon York hit 17 of 24 passes for 348 yards and five scores and Wall rushed for 162 yards via committee as the Hawks routed Canadian 49-3 to take the Region I-3A DII title. 

After Canadian opened the scoring with an early field goal, the Hawks reeled off 49 unanswered points to improve to 13-1.  They led 28-3 at the break and continued to dominate throughout the second half.

“We just played really sharp in all phases from the outset,” Wall coach Craigh Slaughter said. “The past two years we had really fallen behind early (against Canadian) and right away we were playing catch up. 

“This year, they did go out and get three points, but we went right down the field and scored. And from that moment, I thought the kids played with the perfect amount of confidence and moxie.  It was an impressive performance for sure and they really played lights-out.” 

The win avenged two straight playoff eliminations of Wall at the hands of Canadian — which had become a postseason nemesis of sorts for the Hawks. 

The Hawks now advance to face Gunter (12-2) in the 3A DII state semifinals on Friday at 4 p.m. at Abilene Christian University.

“After the game we were definitely trying to refocus the kids,” Slaughter said. “That was a big game, but that wasn’t our Super Bowl. 

“I told them that Canadian was the king of Region I and we were able to get through. But the unquestioned king of 3A football is Gunter. They’re up next and they’re athletic, they’re tough, they’re smart and we’re going to go play our tails off.”