TN HS FB Playoffs: Semifinal Recap/Notes

<h2>Before we get started with championship week, let's look back to a great semifinal round that saw some powerhouses go head to head in some all-time classic contests. </h2>     Class 1A    McKenzie Returns to Chattanooga to Defend Their Title   - The Class 1A championship will have a familiar team in Chattanooga this year as McKenzie is headed back after shutting out a strong MASE team, 34-0 in a game that really was never close. Both these teams came into this contest undefeated, so it was viewed as a possible close game with the Phoenix possibly pulling off the upset but it turned out to not be the case. The Rebels commanded this game from start to finish, led by their strong rushing attack behind the legs of [player_tooltip player_id='150306' first='Jackson' last='Cassidy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='102344' first='Marquez' last='Taylor'] while their defense shut down a MASE offense that have put up some big points this year.    It was a well put together game plan by the McKenzie coaching staff, targeting the Phoenix run game, especially stud junior [player_tooltip player_id='207328' first='Kumaro' last='Brown'] and shutting that down, forcing them to throw the ball. The Rebels defense executed that game plan to perfection and provided their offense everything they needed to take over the game.    McKenzie has once again dominated their schedule without many challenges, placing themselves yet again into the Class 1A title and the clear favorite to walk away with another Gold Ball. Their senior class have won a bunch of football games with a championship already under their belt, so I see no reason right now to expect them to not put another Gold Ball into their trophy case after a bout in Chattanooga against Clay County.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/jcassidy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-272964" width="314" height="314"/></figure>     1st Ever Championship Appearance Upcoming for Clay Co.   - It's been an outstanding season up to this point for Clay Co. and it will continue for one more game after the Bulldogs defeated Coalfield, 40-33 to advance to the Class 1A title game and their 1st ever appearance within a state championship contest. The Bulldogs have been near unstoppable on offense this year and that didn't stop on Friday evening when Mr. Football candidate Keaton Arms moved the ball up and down the field against the Yellow Jackets defense. Clay Co. commanded an early lead but saw that shrink in the 2nd half when Coalfield made a run and put themselves back in contention.    That hope only lasted so long as the Bulldogs got the stop they needed on defense to seal the game away and push themselves into the championship. It was a nice challenge for Clay Co. and a game to continue developing their weaknesses as they head into a major clash with the defending 1A champs in McKenzie.    No matter the result in Chattanooga, Clay Co. has put together one of their best season's in school history and this team and senior class will always be remembered for this accomplishment. Their ultimate success still sits in front of them as the title game lies just ahead with an opportunity to solidify this team as the best ever to come out of Clay Co.      Class 2A   Rams Stay Home For Title Game    - The magical season will continue for Tyner Academy as they demolished York Institute from start to finish, beating the Dragons, 33-0 and advancing to the Class 2A championship game. From the opening kickoff all the way till the end, the Rams were in complete command, dominating every facet of the game and never giving the Dragons a glimmer of hope. The Rams performance was really that impressive as they clearly looked like the best team and a program destined for championship matchup.    Led by senior quarterback and Mr. Football finalist [player_tooltip player_id='474873' first='Josh' last='Jackson'], the Rams offense exploded early with points putting the road team in a deficit that would be hard to come back from. Jackson was phenomenal yet again as he was nearly flawless through the air while being the leader he has been all year and commanding his offense on several scoring drives.    The Rams now move on to the 2A title game, which is not far from their home campus, so a strong home crowd should be in attendance. They will be taking on a hot Riverside team that is playing great football right now, so it will be a challenge but Tyner has some serious mojo with them currently and a team destined to hoist that Gold Ball.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/jjackson2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-477559" width="402" height="285"/></figure>     2A Championship Lies Ahead for Riverside    - Over the last month and a half, the Panthers have been one of the hottest teams in the state and their streak continued on Friday night when they took down another top 2A team in Huntingdon, 26-13 to move on to the championship game in Chattanooga. Riverside has been a well balanced team all season long and that continued against the Mustangs, especially their defense that kept down a potent Huntingdon rushing attack that has been near unstoppable much of the year.    The Panthers have some stalwarts on that side of the ball with senior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='362063' first='Cole' last='Montgomery'] and junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='362098' first='Desmond' last='Thomas'], leading the way and several other key contributors surrounding them. Those defenders came up big on Friday evening and were possibly the main cause towards advancing the Panthers to the next round.    Riverside will need that defense to travel and play their best game of the year next week when they take on a talented and well balanced Tyner offense that is led by one of the best quarterbacks from the East Tennessee region. The Panthers will be ready and they won't be intimidated as they have faced several big challenges throughout the season and have withstood those to make it all the way to the biggest game of the season.      Class 3A    Alcoa Defeats Giles Co., Heads to Another 3A Championship   - What do you know, Alcoa is headed back to another 3A title game for a chance at their 8th state championship in a row after an impressive, 38-13 road win over Giles County. The Tornadoes are headed to Chattanooga after another strong performance against a good Bobcats team that looked formidable early but eventually, the team from out East took control and rolled to victory. It was a well balanced game from Alcoa where they received contributions from several players, including a monster performance from sophomore athlete Eli Graf, who produced big plays on the night from both sides of the ball.    Led by their senior backfield of [player_tooltip player_id='102276' first='Zach' last='Lunsford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='302319' first='Jordan' last='Harris'], the Tornadoes moved the ball well early on but as the game went along, their power up front started to take over, which opened up holes for their rushing attack. Giles Co. has a feisty and athletic defense that have shut down some good offenses this season but they just couldn't keep up with the physicality of the Tornadoes. The final score turned out to be a blowout but the Bobcats competed hard and did their best but just didn't have enough to overpower Alcoa.    Moving forward, the Tornadoes now have a rematch on their hands as they are set to take on East Nashville for the 3A title, who they faced last year, so there will be some familiarity between these two squads down in Chattanooga. The Tornadoes are well equipped to not only take down the Eagles again but pick up their 8th state title in a row.      East Nashville Earns Title Bid in Victory Over Covington   - It must have been destined for East Nashville to return to the 3A title game to take on Alcoa because they played like their hair was on fire in the semi's against Covington as the Eagles defeated the Chargers, 41-15 to advance to Chattanooga with another shot to take down the Tornadoes for the state championship. The Eagles came into the contest versus Covington prepared and ready to take on their explosive run game and just about shut it down completely as guys like [player_tooltip player_id='150379' first='A.C.' last='Mason-Young'] and [player_tooltip player_id='102218' first='Jamarion' last='Dowell'] could not get anything going.    While Zach Beard, [player_tooltip player_id='201088' first='Trey' last='Joyner'], Frank Gordon and the Eagles offense deserve a lot of praise, it was the East Nashville defense that has stood out to me in this win over Covington but also their play throughout the playoffs thus far. The Eagles have been punishing up front, led by junior Malik Boling while their secondary has been locking down receivers. Their play versus the Chargers was key in pulling off the victory and will be vital in the 3A title game against Alcoa.    Whether it's public knowledge or not, East Nashville eagerly wanted this re-match with Alcoa as they want to face the best and beat the best to push their program to another status. That opportunity lies in front of them and they have enough juice on offense and physicality in the lines to not only hang with the Tornadoes but possibly pull off the upset.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/11/tjoyner.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-522672"/></figure>     Class 4A    Anderson Co. Breaks Through, Advances to Title Game   - Winning never felt any sweeter than it did on Friday night for Anderson Co. as they finally broke through into the Class 4A championship game next week for the 1st time in school history, after a close, 29-13 victory over Red Bank. The Mavs came into this game as the clear favorite but early on, Red Bank wasn't having any of that as they stormed out to a 13-0 lead and a defense that was causing problems for the Anderson Co. offense. Led by stud pass rusher [player_tooltip player_id='237054' first='Kobe' last='Smith'], the Lions were doing a good job of rushing the backfield and creating havoc for [player_tooltip player_id='102284' first='Walker' last='Martinez'] while moving him off his spot, however that would change quickly.    After the early deficit, the Mavs made adjustments and started to show why they have been a dominating team all year long. Behind the arm of Martinez and the rushing of senior [player_tooltip player_id='102293' first='Gavin' last='Noe'], the Mavs began to flex their muscles to tie the game up at 13-13 before eventually taking complete control of the game. Red Bank would go on to not put another point on the board as the Anderson Co. defense locked down the Lions rushing attack, making them one dimensional and trying to figure out ways to score.    Anderson Co. would go on to put a few more touchdowns on the board for the final score of 29-13 and stamp their participation for the Class 4A title game. This game might have been closer than the experts thought it would be but it was a nice challenge for the Mavs as they moved forward to take on a hot and talented Pearl Cohn team down in Chattanooga.       Classic Battle Goes to Pearl Cohn    - One of the best football games of the entire season took place on Friday in the semifinals when Pearl Cohn outlasted a very good Haywood team, 53-47 and moved on to face Anderson Co. in the Class 4A championship game. A back and forth affair from start to finish, the road Firebirds had to play above their heads to win this game and they did just that against a Tomcats team that many viewed as the best overall team from the 4A ranks. That proved to not be the case as Pearl Cohn showed they were the better team, led by an explosive and fast offense that could not be stopped.    Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='258845' first='Keshawn' last='Tarleton'] was on point the entire game and he was completed by a dynamic pair of running backs in [player_tooltip player_id='239250' first='Malachi' last='Cromwell'] and Javion Kinnard that produced several touchdowns and proved to be too much to handle for the Tomcats defense. It was their play in the 4th quarter that was most impressive as the Firebirds had to answer when they had the ball every time due to the explosive play of [player_tooltip player_id='149844' first='Cordero' last='Walker'] and the Haywood offense. Both these teams went blow for blow throughout the entire game until late in the 4th when Pearl Cohn scored and made that much needed defensive stop to pull off the victory.    After starting the year at 0-2, Pearl Cohn has reeled off ten wins in a row, which places them as one of the hottest teams in the state and a formidable opponent in the Class 4A title game against the undefeated Mavericks. Can the Firebirds pull off another classic after this outstanding defeat over Haywood? I think they can and I definitely think they will be ready to go head to head with a very good Anderson Co. team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/09/ktarleton.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-452609" width="469" height="313"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: stateoftennesseehsfb.com</figcaption></figure>     Class 5A    Knox. West Survives Against the Panthers    - A close hard fought, road battle against Powell was expected and that's exactly what happened in the Rebels 28-21 win over the Panthers, advancing themselves to the 5A title game in Chattanooga next week. From the very start, the Rebels had a challenge on their hands as Powell is your defending 5A champs with an opportunity to return and defend their titles. Knox. West took an early lead at 14-6 but the home team would eventually tie things up, led by a strong connection between senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='102302' first='Jordyn' last='Potts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='102238' first='Ayden' last='Greene'].    The Rebels would answer every time Powell would tie the game or inch closer, especially when senior defensive back Ja'Quirrus Wrenn returned a punt to the end zone to push Knox. West back in front at 21-14. Wrenn was a stud for the Rebels as he made several key plays on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams. The Panthers would make things interesting in the 4th quarter by tying things up at 21-21 after a short touchdown run by Potts but after that, it became the [player_tooltip player_id='504199' first='Brayden' last='Latham'] show.    The Rebels Mr. Football finalist produced several big time runs on their final scoring drive, picking up multiple 4th downs and placing his offense in key position for the winning score. A long pass from [player_tooltip player_id='150307' first='Carson' last='Jessie'] to [player_tooltip player_id='150532' first='R.J.' last='Brooks'] put the Rebels on top for good as their defense would recover a fumble to seal up the win and advance Knox. West to the 5A title game. It was a tough battle for the Rebels but good one to partake in and prepare them for their upcoming competition against Page.      Patriots Are Headed Back to Chattanooga   - For the second year in a row, the Page Patriots are headed back to Chattanooga after a 27-24 close, hard fought victory over Henry Co. that was not settled till the final minutes of the 4th quarter. This was a rematch from last year's semifinals where Page defeated the Patriots and that same result happened again this season but the win was well earned. Henry Co. jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after a long pass from [player_tooltip player_id='102210' first='Ryan' last='Damron'] to [player_tooltip player_id='237063' first='Hudson' last='Cepparulo'] but Page answered quickly to tie things up. Eventually, the Patriots would take the lead and never look back, even though Henry Co. would not go away.    Every time the home Patriots would tie the game or make things close, Page would either re-take the lead or extend it with the final blow coming in the 4th quarter that put the road team on top for good. It was a well balanced attack on offense for Page as they got the job done both on the ground and through the air, led by star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='305696' first='Colin' last='Hurd'].    The Patriots now get to return to Chattanooga for a second shot at the 5A title and another East Tennessee power stands in their way. Knox. West is an undefeated powerhouse this season that will be ready to compete, so a big challenge sits ahead for Page but this team is not afraid of anyone and will never back down. The Patriots have some dudes and prospects on this team that knows how to win, so the 5A title game between them and the Rebels could be the best game of all down in Chattanooga.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/11/churd-1024x756.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-528280" width="475" height="351"/></figure>     Class 6A    Oakland Handles Maryville with Ease    - Possibly the top football program in the state will be heading back to Chattanooga to defend their title after a commanding, 38-15 win over Maryville. The Oakland Patriots are a well oiled machine that comes to play each and every week and for this semifinal matchup, they set the tone from jump with a 99 yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown by senior defensive back Jeremiah Collins. From that moment on, the Patriots held control throughout and never looked backed.    Senior two-way talent [player_tooltip player_id='201077' first='Eric' last='Taylor'] was the key catalyst that broke this game wide open with three rushing touchdowns in the first half along with 201 yards rushing. He was helped by his sophomore counterpart in [player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'], who scored twice on the night as well. The Patriots defense was quite strong as well as they might have allowed some yards to the Maryville offense but they kept them off the scoreboard until a late score in the 4th quarter.    This was another dominating performance from this Oakland team that looks almost unbeatable right now but I'm sure head coach Kevin Creasy will find some holes and areas to clean up headed into the title game next week against a good Beech team.      Buccaneers Stave Off Comeback from Bartlett    - Beech is going to another state title game but they had to battle to get there as the home Panthers fought and clawed their way to a late lead until the Buccaneers answered quickly to eventually take home a 50-39 road victory. This game went in a variety of ways as early on, Beech raced out to a 21-0 lead before Bartlett finally got on the board but then the Bucs extended that lead even further by taking a 35-13 lead into the locker room.    The rushing attack and performance from senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='150315' first='Darius' last='Johnson'] was absolutely stellar as he ran for over 300 yards while also greatly contributing on special teams. His play was key towards the Bucs taking a big lead and retaking it late in the fourth.    Bartlett came out of the locker room with a different attitude as at one point, they outscored Beech 26-0 to push themselves in the lead but the Panthers eventually ran out of gas. It was a great effort to get back in the game but Bartlett must settle for runner-up in this contest as Beech advances to face their biggest test of the season in a matchup with the Oakland Patriots.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/jocourtney.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-424446"/></figure>