MIDLOTHIAN -- The third time was indeed the charm for the John Tyler Lions.

John Tyler went undefeated in pool play, then beat Magnolia West 26-14 in the semifinals to claim a state berth at Saturday's Division I 7-on-7 football state qualifier tournament in Midlothian.

The event was John Tyler's third try at a state berth after the Lions lost to Longview in the semifinals of a June 15 SQT at Lindsey Park in Tyler and failed to get out of pool play in a June 22 SQT at Rowlett High School.

Saturday was the final day for state qualifier tournaments. The Division I state tournament is July 12-13 at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander.

John Tyler beat Mansfield Summit 39-20 before routing Duncanville 40-14 during pool play, which the Lions wrapped up with a 39-19 victory vs. Waxahachie.

Jacksonville reached the semifinals of Saturday's Midlothian SQT, but fell to host Midlothian. Mount Pleasant also participated in Saturday's event, but did not advance beyond pool play.

John Tyler is the fifth and final East Texas team to qualify for the D-I state tournament, joining Longview, Lufkin, Tyler Lee, and Whitehouse.

Seven East Texas teams have qualified for the Division II state tournament, which is July 11-12 in Leander: Canton, Carthage, Chapel Hill, Crockett, Gilmer, Jasper, and White Oak.

East Texas Teams Qualified for 7-on-7 State Tournament

Division I

July 12-13
Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Leander
  • John Tyler
  • Longview
  • Lufkin
  • Tyler Lee
  • Whitehouse

 

Division II

July 11-12
Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Leander
  • Canton
  • Carthage
  • Chapel Hill
  • Crockett
  • Gilmer
  • Jasper
  • White Oak

 

 

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