Eldorado Eagles Break Through, Qualify for 7-on-7 State Tournament

EARLY, TX — After narrowly missing out in previous qualifying tournaments this summer, Eldorado High School finally punched its ticket Friday to the 7-on-7 state football tournament.

After winning their pool at a qualifying tournament in Early, the Eagles defeated Bangs 28-20 to reach state for the third time in school history. Eldorado also advanced in 2019 and ‘21.

Friday was Division III teams’ last chance to earn one of the 32 spots at state. Hico defeated Early 24-19 to grab the other state ticket from the tournament.

Eldorado won its pool with wins over Early (40-20), Hamilton (27-26) and Miles (27-26).

Miles, which won 7-on-7 state titles in 2022 and ‘23, saw its run of four straight appearances at state end. The Bulldogs lost a couple of one-point games Friday, including 33-32 to Early, to miss out on a chance to qualify.

Other Division III teams that have qualified for state heading into Friday include Grapeland, Kountze, Hamilton, Brady,  Gunter, Tioga, Tidehaven, Wallis Brazos, Poth, Natalia, Coahoma, Iraan, De Leon, Haskell, Lexington, Hearne, Sonora, Goldthwaite, Junction, Albany, Trinity, Wolfe City, Ganado, Kenedy, Rio Vista, Bosqueville, Hico, East Bernard, Agua Dulce, Hale Center and Sunray.