A state championship is something every high school athlete aspires to.

The dream came true for the Cashion Wildcats in 2020 with a 34-7 victory over Thomas in the state finals, after coming ever so close in 2019 when they dropped a hardfought, 20-14, decision to Ringling in the championship game.

Coach Lynn Shackelford’s team has been the essence of consistency since joining the 11-man ranks in 2008, earning a championship game position three times.

Before 2008, Cashion had won three eight-man championships.

There was no stopping the Wildcats this year. They completed a 16-0 season record in 2020, the first time that had ever been accomplished.

Normally, a 15-win season will assure an Oklahoma high school football team of a state championship. As Times-Free Press Managing Editor Michael Swisher pointed out in his superb report on Cashion’s championship game — after a season of excellent reporting on the Wildcats and other area teams — Oklahoma football teams had an extra playoff game because the OSSAA allowed all teams to join the playoffs this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a sixth playoff game.

Winning a championship on any level requires dedication and hard work.

It was as impressive as the championship that so many of the team members commented in post-game interviews that they wanted to win it for their teammates and their community.

That spells loyalty in capital letters.

Just for the record, other 2020 state football champions (and their state final winning score) include: Jenks in 6A1 (winner over Edmond Santa Fe, 41-14), 6A-2 Bixby over Choctaw, 17-14, Carl Albert in 5A (winner over Bishop McGuinness, 33-21), Wagoner in 4A (winner over Clinton, 42-13), Holland Hall in 3A (35-7 winner over Lincoln Christian and the team that eliminated Kingfisher in the playoff quarterfinals), 2A Metro Christian over Washington 48-37, Dewar in Class B (winner over Laverne, 38-20) and Tyrone in Class C (41-20 winner over Timberlake.).