COLLEGE STATION – Richland receiver Anton Arthurs wanted his teammate, Phillip Gonzales, in the lineup with him for Saturday's FSN Southwest 7-on-7 state tournament championship.

Gonzales, however, battled cramps and did not play in the final. Arthurs wanted to make sure his standout teammate left a champion.

Arthurs caught 13 passes, three for touchdowns, and helped Richland beat Mesquite, 35-32, in the final. Richland finished the tournament unbeaten through seven games.

GABRIEL CHMIELEWSKI / The Bryan-College Station Eagle

Richland's Nathan Zeissel (right) puts his hand out to block a pass to Mesquite's Davian Harper.

View larger More photos Photo store

"I wish we would have had him, but it feels good," said Arthurs, referring to Gonzales, a senior who was impressive throughout the tournament. "He carried us, and we knew without him, we'd have to step up."

Richland showed poise in the second half. After trailing, 26-14, at the half, Richland made three defensive stops and scored three unanswered touchdowns to take a 35-26 lead.

Arthurs' second touchdown, at the 10:41 mark of the second half, gave Richland the lead for good.

"We showed that we can play ball," quarterback Tyler Cotton said. "Phillip's been my go-to guy, but Anton stepped in right behind Phillip. He showed he can run and catch, too."

Arthurs represented Richland, a District 3-5A, on the all-tournament team. Gonzales, despite playing in the championship, was named MVP of the tournament. Mesquite's Luke Halpin, Marcus Trice and Darnell Taylor also made the team.

Abilene wins consolation title: Abilene came back from two touchdowns down in the final eight minutes to beat Houston Langham Creek, 34-33, to win the consolation championship.

Abilene, another District 3-5A team, trailed, 26-14, at halftime and was down, 33-21, at one time. Quarterback Stephen Warren connected with Prentice Alford for the go-ahead score at the 6:21 mark. Warren found Alex Tomares for the potential game-winning extra point.