Class 3A Upper State Final Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton (13-0) at Powdersville (12-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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. <strong>Bryson James</strong> 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 <strong>Jishun Copeland,</strong> <strong>Jayden Robinson</strong>, and others routinely racking up big numbers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336141' first='Justin' last='Copeland']</strong>, <strong>Kadon Crawford,</strong> 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 <strong>Austin Copeland,</strong> and he's performed well. And it all starts for Clinton with a deep, talented offensive line, with <strong>Naiim Mays</strong>, <strong>Jay Martin</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='241184' first='Rion' last='Gordon']</strong>, <strong>Burt Dendy</strong>, and <strong>Dre Aiken</strong> leading the way. Defensively, <strong>Hezekiah Kinard </strong>is a big, athletic DL/DE. Many of the Red Devils' offensive skill guys double on defense, with James and both Copelands as standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448984' first='Eli' last='Hudgins']</strong> one of the top dual-threat QBs in the area. <strong>Drake Sloan</strong> is his main target, but what really makes the Patriots' offense go is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='91152' first='Thomas' last='Williams']</strong>. 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 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='89333' first='Jalen' last='Rambert']</strong>, as a ton of guys have pitched in to rack up some big numbers for Powdersville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Clinton</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->