Single A Private State Championship Preview

We’re getting the matchup everyone has been waiting for in the Single-A Private state championship on Thursday, and it’s a rematch of last year’s slugfest between Prince Avenue Christian (13-1) and Trinity Christian (13-0). Prince Avenue won the game last year due to excellent QB play and veteran, experienced starters, which is exactly what Trinity Christian will be bring this time. &nbsp; Here are a few players to know for each team in this exciting Single-A Private showdown. &nbsp; <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/david-dallas/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="33930" first="David" last="Dallas"]</span></a> – QB – Trinity Christian</strong> It’s been an incredibly special season for senior QB <a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/david-dallas/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="33930" first="David" last="Dallas"]</span></a> this year. The Western Michigan commitment has led the Lions to an undefeated season so far, torching defenses each week along the way. A true winner, Dallas led his team to a wild 48-45 2OT victory over Eagles Landing Christian, making play after play along the way. His miraculous throw to <a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aaron-gates/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="34051" first="Aaron" last="Gates"]</span></a> won the game in overtime, putting them in the A Private state championship game later this week. His athleticism and natural playmaking ability have made him fun to watch all season as he’s led Trinity Christian to at least 50 points in 9 games this season. The outstanding senior has thrown for over 3,640 yards and 45 TDs to just three INTs. He’s also rushed for over 280 yards and 6 more touchdowns. &nbsp; <strong>Aaron Philo – QB - Prince Avenue Christian</strong> One of the top young QBs in the state, Philo had some big shoes to fill this year as he tried to replace former All-American Brock Vandagriff, but Philo more than held his own this year as a sophomore, leading the state in passing for the 2024 class. The 6-foot-2 175-pounder was excellent all season, throwing for 4,204 yards and 44 touchdowns. The Athens native also rushed for 8 more touchdowns on the season. He looks the part for his age and he showed off his arm talent all season long. More importantly, he’s led the Wolverines to a 13-1 record. Look for him to receive some D1 interest down the road. He’ll have a tough task ahead of him, but it appears the young talented sophomore will be ready for the task. &nbsp; <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aaron-gates/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="34051" first="Aaron" last="Gates"]</span></a> – ATH - Trinity Christian </strong> One of the hottest defensive back prospects in metro-Atlanta this season, Gates is a true playmaking athlete at 6-foot-0 180-pounds. In the last week, Gates has picked up offers from Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Florida. After helping lead his team to the state title game last season, the junior had an outstanding year this fall, making plays on both sides of the football. Gates was a playmaker on offense as he totaled over 730 receiving yards and found the endzone 9 times. He also caught the game-winning pass in 2OT in last weeks semi-finals victory. Look for the Florida Gator commitment to make plenty of plays for the Lions in their final game. &nbsp; <strong>Bailey Stockton - WR - Prince Avenue Christian</strong> A shifty, quicker receiver at 5-foot-10 170-pounds, Stockton took over the reigns this year at receiver and put up some impressive numbers as a junior. The Athens native made over 70 receptions this season for over 1,130 yards and 15 touchdowns. He doesn’t have a D1 offer right now, but as a junior, he still has plenty of time to win over college coaches, especially if he plays well in the championship game. Defensively, Stockton has been just as outstanding, intercepting three passes and making four sacks. He does it all for Prince Avenue and he’ll be one to keep a close eye. &nbsp; <strong>Ethan Garner - DE - Prince Avenue Christian</strong> A productive defender off the edge, Garner made quite an impact as a senior this year and was one of the teams leading tackles at defensive end. He’s not very big, but he’s always in the right place and is a sure tackler for his size. He’s a smart player who does his job each play and knows how to make a play when given an opportunity. In addition to his 48 tackles, Garner made 7 sacks and recovered three fumbles. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33925" first="Joshua" last="Dallas"] - ATH - Trinity Christian</strong> One of the top two-way players in the state, Dallas was exceptional as a receiver this year and a true playmaker on defense as well. The Western Michigan commitment is a true athlete who has natural playmaking ability. He has great hands, body control, and runs well in his 6-foot- 205-pound frame. On offense, Dallas caught 58 passes for 22 TDs and over 1,140 receiving yards. Defensively, Dallas made 7 INTs and over 30 tackles on the season. He’ll be a big-time player to know in the ball game. &nbsp; <strong>Other players to know include...</strong> 2022 LB Christian Hanson - Trinity Christian 2022 DB Will Elrod - Prince Avenue Christian 2022 WR Bryce Wilcox - Trinity Christian 2023 WR Elijah Dewitt - Prince Avenue Christian 2022 RB Dominick Cosper - Trinity Christian 2023 WR [player_tooltip player_id="198265" first="Ethan" last="Christian"] - Prince Avenue Christian <h2 class="athlete-name"></h2> &nbsp;