D2-Class AA Championship Preview: CPA vs. Boyd Buchanan

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Christ Presbyterian Academy Lions (12-1) vs. Boyd-Buchanan Buccaneers (13-0) </strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Chattanooga, TN (Finley Stadium)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When:</strong> November 30th, 11 am Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coaches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lions: Ingle Martin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buccaneers: Gary Rankin </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Players</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='228694' first='Crews' last='Law']</strong> <strong>-</strong> <strong>Christ Presbyterian Academy:</strong> Law has been very productive for the Lions this season on both sides of the ball. He is a very instinctive linebacker working through trash with great range to make plays to the sideline. On offense, he is good with the ball in his hands and is a physical presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='149856' first='John' last='Wayne Oliver'] - Christ Presbyterian Academy:</strong> Wayne Oliver is one of the best players in all of Tennessee. He physically dominates up front and beats up defensive lineman. The Buccaneers must be prepared to take him on because he will be creating huge lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='149166' first='Ondre' last='Evans'] - Christ Presbyterian Academy:</strong> Evans is a big-time playmaker for CPA and is a lockdown corner. He shows great processing of route concepts with quick twitch athleticism. On offense, Evans will make some plays at wide receiver and is overall a big threat for any team to stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='149387' first='Jaylon' last='Sanderfer'] - Boyd Buchanan:</strong> Sanderfer is a beast linebacker for the Buccaneers and creates big plays for loss with his athletic ability. He displays good range and motor to make plays out in space. Good tone setter for that defense and CPA need to be aware of where he is on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(<strong>ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='213946' first='Sabastian' last='Jones'] - Boyd Buchanan: </strong>Jones is a huge impact player on both sides of the ball for Boyd Buchanan. On defense, he is extremely instinctive vs the run and the pass. Good quick twitch to make good downhill transitions. On offense, he is an explosive playmaker that is a threat to score whenever he has the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='219427' first='Houston' last='Hicks'] - Boyd Buchanan:</strong> Hicks is a quality quarterback prospect for the Buccaneers and has made many big time throws this season. He shows a quick release with good downfield accuracy. Good footwork and pocket awareness while keeping eyes down the field to deliver strikes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Game Preview</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the 2023 season both teams stood out as top teams in D2-Class AA level and they had a decent shot to meetup in the title game. Boyd-Buchanan finished the season undefeated going 13-0 while Christ Presbyterian Academy finished with an impressive 12-1 record. Both teams played impressively during the season and especially in the playoffs. With the "Gold Ball" on the line both teams will be fighting to see who ends up on top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams did not face off at any point in 2023 so this will be a completely fresh matchup for the title. CPA is stacked with talent on both sides of the ball with some of the best players in the state to make a difference. They are feisty and extremely athletic with the ability to take over games. Boyd-Buchanan has explosive playmakers on offense with a tough and physical defense that looks to beat up opponents. They have found a way to win every game they have played this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christ Presbyterian Academy is returning to the state's championship game after a loss last season. They have plenty of talented players returning form that roster with some new players to help out. Their defense is led by stud linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='228694' first='Crews' last='Law'] and corner back [player_tooltip player_id='149166' first='Ondre' last='Evans']. [player_tooltip player_id='149856' first='John' last='Wayne Oliver'] leads the offensive line unit and [player_tooltip player_id='362072' first='Braden' last='Streeter'] is one of the best quarterbacks in the state. The Buccaneers lost in round one in the playoffs last year to CPA and are looking for some revenge. [player_tooltip player_id='149387' first='Jaylon' last='Sanderfer'] is the leader of that defense and makes big time plays. [player_tooltip player_id='213946' first='Sabastian' last='Jones'] is a great athlete that makes a difference on both sides of the ball. At quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='219427' first='Houston' last='Hicks'] will look to lead the Buccaneers to a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Game Prediction</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is difficult to pick a winner for this matchup of two very talented teams that have not faced off at all this season. Both sides of physical and feisty defenses with explosive players to make big offensive plays. Christ Presbyterian Academy vs Boyd Buchanan should be an exciting game and I expect to see a close. I predict the Lions will win a close matchup vs the Buccaneers in the D2-Class AA Championship game with a 38-30 victory to take home the "Gold Ball." </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score: CPA 38 Boyd Buchanan 30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->