December 22, 2025
In a classic battle where defense ruled the day, the Stephenville Yellow Jackets shut out the Kilgore Bulldogs, 10–0, to claim the 2025 UIL Class 4A Division I Texas state championship at AT&T Stadium. With the victory, Stephenville capped a perfect 16–0 season and captured the seventh state title in program history.
War Dog Defenses Dominate on Both Sides of the Ball
In a game defined by defensive grit and opportunistic offense, Stephenville’s “War Dogs” defense set the tone early with a turnover on Kilgore’s first drive, an interception by senior linebacker Hudson Butchee, and never let up. The Yellow Jackets forced four total turnovers and limited Kilgore to just 150 yards of total offense against their stout front.
After a scoreless first half, Stephenville struck on its first possession of the third quarter. Junior quarterback Trot Jordan delivered a perfect 40-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Adan Jergins, the only touchdown of the game. A late field goal added breathing room, and Stephenville’s defense preserved the shutout to seal the title.
Final Team Stats — 2025 4A D1 Championship
| Category | Stephenville | Kilgore |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 10 | 0 |
| Total Yards | 251 | 150 |
| Passing Yards | 78 | 40 |
| Rushing Yards | 173 | 110 |
| Turnovers Forced | 4 | 0 |
| Sacks | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 26:24 | 21:36 |
Yellow Jackets Individual Leaders
Offense
- Trot Jordan (QB, Jr.): Threw for 78 yards and 1 TD, added 86 rushing yards, and was named Offensive MVP.
- Adan Jergins (WR, Jr.): 3 receptions for 62 yards and the game’s lone touchdown.
Defense
- Hudson Butchee (LB, Sr.): 10 tackles, forced a fumble and recorded an interception, earning Defensive MVP honors.
- CJ Spellmeier (DE, Sr.): 7 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.
- Willis Jackson (DB, Sr.): 2 interceptions, including a key grab in the fourth quarter.
A Championship for the Ages
Stephenville’s defensive mastery and timely offensive execution brought home another state crown, with the Yellow Jackets completing a dominant and unblemished season. With a legacy now bolstered by seven state titles and an unforgettable defensive performance in the 2025 4A D1 championship, Stephenville stands as one of Texas high school football’s premier programs.
Stephenville 10, Kilgore 0 — a championship defined by defense and delivered by the Yellow Jackets’ War Dogs.
Season in Review
Yellow Jackets Standouts
Stephenville’s balanced and explosive team stats from the 2025 season paint a picture of a championship pedigree.
- Trot Jordan (QB): Over 3,100 passing yards with 44 TD passes on the season, showcasing elite dual-threat capabilities.
- Zyler McClendon (RB, Jr.): Team rushing leader, averaging 107.8 yards per game and scoring 29 total TDs.
- Receiving Leaders: Caden Monk (WR) averaged 65.1 receiving yards per game, while Adan Jergins and Brighton DeVivo were key targets.
- Defensive Leaders: Hudson Butchee led the team with 10.5 tackles per game, Caleb Taylor recorded 9.6 tackles per game, and CJ Spellmeier topped the squad with 11 sacks.
Stephenville’s championship run included playoff blowouts, such as a 56-7 win over Pecos and a 55-7 victory over Dumas, as well as tight tests like a 24-21 win at Celina, showcasing resilience and depth on both sides of the ball.
Under head coach Sterling Doty, the Yellow Jackets combined an explosive offense with one of the state’s most feared defenses, earning a perfect record and the ultimate prize in Texas high school football.
Stephenville finishes 16-0, its defense etched into 4A history, and its seniors leave a legacy befitting a championship program.
Photos by CHERYL HATTON with Dirty Cleats Photography
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