Freshman quarterback Trace Hawkins and senior defensive back Jake Jordan produced all-star results and helped lead Calhoun to a 20-7 win over Jefferson in the Class 3A championship game on Wednesday.

The Yellow Jackets (12-3), who missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 1999, roared back from a 1-3 start to win their final 11 games and claim their fifth state title, first since 2017.

Hawkins completed 16 of 25 passes for 184 yards and ran nine times for 47 yards and one touchdown. Jordan intercepted two passes, broke up a pass and forced a fumble to spark the defense.

Calhoun’s Emaree Winston, a Texas signee, caught six passes for 57 yards and Justin Bailey had four receptions for 77 yards. Hudson Chadwick ran 16 times for 50 yards and one touchdown. Carlos Lopez kicked a pair of field goals – from 39 and 48 yards – and averages 43.2 yards on six punts.

The Calhoun defense also got seven-tackle performances from Makadan Griffin and Baylor Johnson, who also had a sack, forced a fumble and broke up a pass. Hunter White added an interception.

Jefferson (11-4) was led by quarterback Gavin Markey, who ran 20 times for 91 yards and one touchdown, but completed only 6 of 18 passes for 123 with three interceptions.

On defense the Dragons were led by Max Brown (12 tackles) and Rett Hemphill (nine tackles, one sack).