Class 1A Championship Preview: South Pittsburg vs. McKenzie

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">South Pittsburg (14-0) vs. McKenzie (13-1)</h2>   Where: Chattanooga, TN (Finley Stadium)   When: December 1st   Head Coaches   Pirates: Wes Stone   Rebels: Wade Comer   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Players</h2>   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington'] - South Pittsburg: Wellington has been a gamechanger at the helm of the Pirates' offense, showcasing his quick execution and ability to connect with his receivers in stride on deep passes into the backfield. Wellington's quick release and ability to target his receivers from anywhere on the field makes him a dangerous gunslinger to sleep on in the title game.   (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='219448' first='A.J.' last='Wallace'] - South Pittsburg: Wallace impresses me offensively due to his breakaway speed, ability to create seperation in the backfield and his ability to consistently haul in touchdown passes. I also like how Wallace can pick up speed along the edge and take it all the way to the house. With great versatility and quickness off the snap, Wallace should be a challenge to contain.   (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='258684' first='Jamarion' last='Farrior'] - South Pittsburg: Farrior stands out due to his ability to read opposing offenses like a book, showcasing his ability to blast past the offensive line, apply pressure on the quarterback and make sacks. I also like how Farrior can protect the backfield from the rush, proving he can suffocate the running back in the pocket and keep the offense out of the backfield.   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1102448' first='Tate' last='Surber'] - McKenzie: Surber has been a crucial component of the Rebels' offense this season, proving his multi-faceted playstyle under center. What I like about Surber is his versatility, arm strength and ability to complete deep passes under heavy pressure from the defense. I also like how Surber can maneuver the field, dodge and weave tackles and toss quick completions.   (RB) Brady Brewer - McKenzie: Brewer stands out for the Rebels due to his unpredictability, showcasing his ability to quickly get open for the short pass, utilizing bursts of speed to break free from the defense and put his team into solid scoring position. Brewer additionally impresses due to his durable edge and ability to shake tackles as he blasts into the redzone.   (WR) Colt Norden - McKenzie: Norden makes a considerable impact for the Rebels offensively due to his ability to overwhelm the defense in coverage and haul in deep passes in the backfield. I also like Norden's ability to lock in down the stretch, proving he can push off the defense and get in prime catching position from both short and long range.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Preview</h2>   As the 2023 campaign progressed in the state of Tennessee, it became clear that South Pittsburg and McKenzie were two of the strongest teams in Class 1A and could definitely meet up in the championship game. Now, the Pirates and the Rebels are set to face off in Chattanooga's Finley Stadium to determine which squad is most deserving of that "Gold Ball."   Both South Pittsburg and McKenzie enter the championship game with similar records, well-balanced rosters and an assortment of high-level playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Pirates and the Rebels have not met on the field this season, making for a rather unpredictable matchup between two very impressive squads in the Class 1A title game this upcoming Friday.   There is a multitude of talented prospects to keep an eye on in Friday's contest as South Pittsburg quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington'] has proven himself as nearly unstoppable in the air. With athlete [player_tooltip player_id='219448' first='A.J.' last='Wallace'] locking things down on the offensive end, the Pirates have an incredibly talented offense. On the other side of the ball, South Pittsburg linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='258684' first='Jamarion' last='Farrior'] has helped the Pirates to keep opposing offenses out of the backfield all season long.   McKenzie should not be slept on in the title game as quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1102448' first='Tate' last='Surber'] has helped the Rebels become one of the top teams at the Class 1A level. With offensive weapons like running back Brady Brewer and wide receiver Colt Norden, McKenzie has proven themselves throughout the playoffs as an offensive powerhouse. The Rebels also impress defensively due to their organized defensive line, their ability to be physical in the pocket and their ability to shut down receivers in coverage.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Prediction</h2>   Picking a winner of the Class 1A title game is a tough task considering how equally matched both teams are as well as their similar records. Both the Pirates and the Rebels rely on strong passing and have a multitude of players on both sides that can lock in and make game-changing plays. Considering South Pittsburg and McKenzie have not faced off this season, it's safe to assume the title game will be a close contest. Despite a strong performance from the Rebels, I believe South Pittsburg will inevitably outlast McKenzie at Finley Stadium, walking away with a 24-21 victory and the "Gold Ball."   Score: South Pittsburg 24, McKenzie 21