Class 4A Championship Preview: Upperman vs. Pearl Cohn

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upperman Bees (14-0) vs. Pearl-Cohn Firebirds (14-0)</h2>   Where: Chattanooga, TN (Finley Stadium)   When: December 2nd, 11 am Central   Head Coaches   Bees: Adam Caine   Firebirds: Tony Brunetti   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Players</h2>   (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='207308' first='Clayton' last='Harris'] - Upperman: Harris is a dominant player up front for Upperman and he creates plenty of disruption vs the run and pass. He has an explosive first step with good hand usage to beat offensive lineman. Pearl Cohn needs to know where Harris is aligned every single snap.   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] - Upperman: Chaffin is a dual threat QB that makes a really big impact with his legs. He possesses good arm talent and makes good throws off platform and off script. Quick release and is pretty accurate delivering passes down the seam and leads his offense up and down the field.   (RB/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='277791' first='Jaxson' last='Rollins'] - Upperman: Rollins is in impact players that excels playing on both sides of the ball. On offense, he plays running back with good elusiveness out in space. On defense, he shows good instincts to make an impact at all three levels with good ball skills and play recognition on the back end.   (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'] - Pearl Cohn: Kinnard is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. He is used out wide, in the slot and in the backfield with great explosive ability, change of direction and speed. Upperman needs to be aware of Kinnard whenever he steps foot on the field.   (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='193750' first='D'Arious' last='Reed'] - Pearl Cohn: Reed is one of the best wide receivers in his class and is a dynamic route runner. He shows good ability to change direction to get in and out of breaks to create separation. He is a big play threat that is also willing to get physical and will bully defensive backs in the run game.   (DL/LB/RB) [player_tooltip player_id='695080' first='Zeion' last='Simpson-Smith'] - Pearl Cohn: Simpson-Smith has been absolutely dominant this season for the Firebirds. He is a beast on both sides of the ball. On defense, he sets the tone up front with great physicality and is an intelligent football player. On offense, Simpson-Smith is tough to tackle.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Preview</h2>   During the 2023 season both teams had great campaigns and looked like teams that had a very good chance to make the 4A championship title game. Upperman and Pearl Cohn have both proven to be top teams during the regular season and the playoffs with neither team losing a game all season long. But only one team can come away with the win and take home the championship with the "Gold Ball."   These two teams did not face off at any point during the 2023 season, so we get a fresh matchup for the Class 4A championship game. Upperman and Pearl Cohn both come into the game with the exact same record with both possessing great talent which should lead to an exciting game. Pearl Cohn is stacked with top end talent with great athletic ability, which has been very difficult to stop for many teams this season. Also, Upperman is also a quality team filled with talent that plays a physical brand of football.   Pearl Cohn is returning to the championship game after having a devastating loss last season. They have a bunch of retuning talent with amazing players on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'] is one of the most exciting players to watch on this squad. In addition, [player_tooltip player_id='193750' first='D'Arious' last='Reed'] is a star receiver that demands attention from the opposing team. [player_tooltip player_id='695080' first='Zeion' last='Simpson-Smith'] is a dominating force on both sides of the ball for the Firebirds. On defense for the Bees, [player_tooltip player_id='207308' first='Clayton' last='Harris'] is the big difference maker and tone setter for that defense. On offense, [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] makes big plays through the air and with his legs. [player_tooltip player_id='277791' first='Jaxson' last='Rollins'] is great on both sides of the ball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Prediction</h2>   I do expect to see a competitive game from the two undefeated teams and there should be some explosive scoring. Both sides have plenty of talent but I do think one team stands above the other. I predict the Pearl Cohn Firebirds to takedown the Upperman Bees with a final score of 34-24 in the Class 4A Championship game to take home the "Gold Ball."   Score: Pearl Cohn 34 Upperman 30