Class 3A Upper State Final Preview

Jed Blackwell November 23, 2022 @ 01:52 PM

One team in the 3A final is a historic power, looking to return to its former glory. The other is an upstart program that's been slowly building toward a game like this, complete with a dramatic, unlikely victory over a two-time defending state champ in the third round. They've got one loss between them this year, both have been ranked in the 3A Top 5 for most of the year, and this one looks like a fantastic matchup.   Clinton (13-0) at Powdersville (12-1)   The Red Devils are a handful, especially on the ground. Clinton's pistol-wing look is confusing, it's deceptive, and it's devastatingly effective. Bryson James leads the way, as the Mr. Football finalist is routinely the Red Devils' leading rusher. But there are plenty of opportunities to go around, with Jishun Copeland, Jayden Robinson, and others routinely racking up big numbers. [player_tooltip player_id='336141' first='Justin' last='Copeland'], Kadon Crawford, and the backs are the main focus when the Red Devils throw the ball. Bryce Young has stepped into the QB role since an injury to Austin Copeland, and he's performed well. And it all starts for Clinton with a deep, talented offensive line, with Naiim Mays, Jay Martin, [player_tooltip player_id='241184' first='Rion' last='Gordon'], Burt Dendy, and Dre Aiken leading the way. Defensively, Hezekiah Kinard is a big, athletic DL/DE. Many of the Red Devils' offensive skill guys double on defense, with James and both Copelands as standouts.   Powdersville has continued last year's success this season, dropping just one game, to 5A Hillcrest. The Patriots are balanced on the offensive side, with [player_tooltip player_id='448984' first='Eli' last='Hudgins'] one of the top dual-threat QBs in the area. Drake Sloan is his main target, but what really makes the Patriots' offense go is [player_tooltip player_id='91152' first='Thomas' last='Williams']. The Virginia Tech commit - he's headed to the Hokies as a DB - can do it all offensively, and is a legit touchdown threat every time he touches the ball. He does a great job of patrolling the back end of the Powdersville defense as well. The Patriots have recovered from the mid-season loss of standout LB [player_tooltip player_id='89333' first='Jalen' last='Rambert'], as a ton of guys have pitched in to rack up some big numbers for Powdersville.   This one could come down to which team does what they like to do the best. Clinton is a little one-dimensional on offense, but that's by choice. The Devils CAN throw it, they just haven't often needed to. Powdersville looks a little more balanced, but they've also shown a willingness to grind it out. Given Friday's forecast, it could turn into a power-running matchup. There's a clear choice if that's the case.   Edge: Clinton

One team in the 3A final is a historic power, looking to return to its former glory. The other is an upstart program that's been slowly building toward a game like this, complete with a dramatic, unlikely victory over a two-time defending state champ in the third round. They've got one loss between them this year, both have been ranked in the 3A Top 5 for most of the year, and this one looks like a fantastic matchup.