High school students in the prefecture participate in a BBQ competition

BURNET (KXAN) — Pitmasters in training across the state spend the next few weeks preparing for the next competition, the National High School Barbecue Championships.

Over the weekend, 57 Texas high school and middle school teams competed in the state championship in Burnet. Each team prepared and presented recipes perfected over the course of a year, including the best dutch oven desserts, fajitas/tacos, pork chops, chicken and ribs.

40 teams have qualified for the national competition to be held at Hut this summer based on the overall score of taste, appearance and softness.

For each category, in addition to the Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, and 3rd place, 1st to 10th places were announced. The team member who wins the Grand Champion goes home with the title, a banner to hang at school, a belt with his buckle, a set of knives, a scholarship, and more.

This year, James Madison High School’s Cowboy Smokes won the grand championship. The Reserve Grand Champion (2nd place) went to Burnett FFQ BBQ at Burnett High School. Rankin High’s Kickin’ Ash rounded out the top three.

Click for more information on the High School BBQ Association and upcoming competitions here.