Winona’s Playoff Run Ends With 45-22 Loss to Gunter

FORNEY -- Gunter used a 30-point third quarter to knock out Winona, 45-22, Friday night in their Class 3A Division II, Region II final at City Bank Stadium.

Winona, which finished fourth in its district but advanced to the fourth round for the first time in 30 years, ended its season at 8-6.

Leading 8-0 after one half of play, Gunter (14-0) took a commanding 45-0 lead early in the fourth quarter by reeling off 38 consecutive points. Winona scored three times in the final 9:33, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

The Wildcats outgained Gunter by more than 20 yards, but committed three turnovers, including a pair of interception returns for touchdowns in the second half.

Deundre Wheeler led Winona on the ground with 127 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Braxton Kincade passed for 135 yards, including an 81-yard scoring strike to Dakota Pullum.

Gunter will face Canadian next week in the state semifinals.