D2-Class A Championship Preview: MTCS vs. Friendship Chrst.

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middle Tennessee Christian Cougars (11-1) vs. Friendship Christian Commanders (11-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Chattanooga, TN (Finley Stadium)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 30th, 3 pm Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coaches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cougars: Christian Peterson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Commanders: John McNeal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='150295' first='Eli' last='Wilson'] - Middle Tennessee Christian:</strong> Wilson has been a highly explosive ground weapon for the Cougars this season due to his quick execution and durability in the pocket. During Thursday afternoon's matchup, Wilson may prove to be a challenge to contain for the Commanders' defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='277659' first='Jesse' last='Perry'] - Middle Tennessee Christian:</strong> Perry has been a gamechanger at the Cougars' offensive line due to his size and physical edge, showcasing his ability to absorb pressure and protect his quarterback from the defense. Perry's ability to consistently blast the defense should come in handy against the Commanders this upcoming Thursday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1089073' first='Seth' last='Harris'] - Middle Tennessee Christian:</strong> Harris has made a significant impact for the Cougars' defense this season, showing off his ability to read the offense like a book and quickly pounce on offensive playmakers. With great speed and the ability to target the ball carrier, Harris will be worth keeping an eye on in Thursday's championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932884' first='Karson' last='Moss'] - Friendship Christian:</strong> Moss has been explosive at the helm of the Commanders' offense during his freshman campaign, proving his unpredictability with excellent composure under pressure and the ability to escape the defense on the ground. With great arm strength and precision in the air, Moss will be a difficult weapon for the Cougars to read this upcoming Thursday afternoon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1027726' first='Tyson' last='Wolcott'] - Friendship Christian:</strong> Wolcott is a menace in the pocket, proving his breakaway speed with his ability to escape the defense in the pocket, create seperation in the backfield and take it all the way to the house. MTCS will need to be consistent defensively to keep Wolcott out of the endzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='705894' first='Kaden' last='Buchanan'] - Friendship Christian:</strong> Buchanan has made his presence known on the Commanders' offensive line during his freshman year of high school football, creating an assortment of issues for opposing defenses with his size and overwhelming strength. With great blocking, Buchanan can also help combat pressure and open up the field for the rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Preview</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2023 campaign progressed, both Middle Tennessee Christian and Friendship Christian made it abundantly clear that they were top contenders within the D2-Class A level and could potentially meet up in the title game. Now, both units have proven themselves throughout the regular season and playoffs, setting up another meeting in the state championship game. Only one team will come out on top and be honored with that "Gold Ball."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee Christian and Friendship Christian enter Thursday's matchup with very similar records and an assortment of talent on both sides of the ball that should make for an intense title game. During their last meeting this past September, Middle Tennessee Christian barely escaped Friendship Christian, outlasting the Commanders 16-14. Considering the close battle between the two during regular season action, I'm expecting another close fight between the two this upcoming Thursday afternoon at Finley Stadium.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee Christian is entering the state title game with a few significant players on both sides in running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150295' first='Eli' last='Wilson']</strong>, offensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277659' first='Jesse' last='Perry']</strong> and linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1089073' first='Seth' last='Harris']</strong>. With outstanding performance on the ground, a nearly bullet-proof offensive line and an aggressive defense, I expect some solid football from the Cougars. Friendship Christian should also matchup well due to strong playmakers like quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932884' first='Karson' last='Moss']</strong>, running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027726' first='Tyson' last='Wolcott']</strong> and offensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705894' first='Kaden' last='Buchanan']</strong>, who have contributed to one of the most efficient offenses in D2-Class A competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Prediction</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a difficult task to select a winner of Middle Tennessee Christian vs. Friendship Christian as both teams were evenly matched in their last contest. Both sides contribute great deep passing, a highly impactful run game and a solid defensive effort. I'm predicting another very close game between the Cougars and the Commanders this Thursday afternoon. Despite a great all-around effort from Friendship Christian, I predict Middle Tennessee Christian will once again prevail over the Commanders in the D2-Class A championship game, walking away with a 28-21 victory as well as the "Gold Ball."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score: MTCS 28, Friendship Chrst. 21</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->