Class 6A Championship Preview: Oakland vs. Houston

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oakland Patriots (12-2) vs. Houston Mustangs (12-2) </h2>   Where: Chattanooga, TN (Finley Stadium)   When: Saturday, Dec. 1st, 7 pm Central   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coaches</h2>   Patriots: Kevin Creasy   Mustangs: James Thomas   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Players</h2>   (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='186297' first='Ashton' last='Jones'] - Oakland: Jones has been an explosive ground weapon for the Patriots all season long, proving he can both break tackles and find openings in the defensive line to break free into the backfield and take it all the way to the house. Jones also impresses me under pressure, proving he can dodge and weave tackles to blast past the pocket and boost ground production in third-down scenarios.   (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='467267' first='Bronson' last='Crisp'] - Oakland: Crisp has been a top tier defensive weapon for the Patriots this season, proving his disruptiveness down the stretch as well as his physicality in coverage. I also like how Crisp can read opposing offenses like a book, lock down receivers in the backfield and haul in interceptions. Another aspect of Crisp's game that stands out is his ability to make commanding stops.   (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='278377' first='Korey' last='Smith'] - Oakland: Smith has made his presence known for the Patriots on the defensive side of the ball this season, showcasing his ability to muscle past the offensive line and quickly suffocate the rush. I also like how Smith can lock down the backfield and stop the deep pass. With great size and speed off the snap, Smith has also proven his consistent defense from along the edge and in the endzone.   (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'] - Houston: Day makes his presence known at the helm of the Mustangs' offense due to his multi-faceted playstyle, showcasing excellent speed on the ground as well as pin-point accuracy in the air. Day's composure under pressure and ability to consistently escape the defense in the pocket has made a considerable impact offensively and should make him a challenge to contain on Saturday.   (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa'] - Houston: Sisa has been an outstanding offensive weapon for the Mustangs this year, showing off his durable edge and bursts of speed en route to the endzone. What makes Sisa so difficult to stop is his ability to withstand tackles and find openings to seperate himself from the defense. I also like Sisa's catching ability, proving he can haul in crucial passes in the backfield.   (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] - Houston: Hagan is a significant defensive standout for the Mustangs due to his electric speed and stopping power, showcasing his ability to absorb pressure and stun the offensive line with his overwhelming strength. I also like how Hagan consistently applies pressure on the quarterback, showing off his ability to read the offense and pick up sacks.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Preview</h2>   As the 2023 campaign progressed, it became clear that Oakland and Houston were two of the strongest teams at the Class 6A level and could potentially be facing off in the championship game at Chattanooga's Finley Stadium. Now, both the Patriots and the Mustangs are set to battle it out in the state title game as only one team will be walking away with that "Gold Ball."   Both the Patriots and the Mustangs enter Saturday evening's title game with identical records, an assortment of impactful playmakers on both sides of the ball and excellent coaching staffs. Oakland and Houston have not faced off against each other during the regular season, making for an intriguing matchup between the two strongest units at the Class 6A level.   Oakland is going to be incredibly difficult to contain offensively and should also be efficient on the defensive side of the ball. I'm looking at Patriots' running back [player_tooltip player_id='186297' first='Ashton' last='Jones'] as a dangerous weapon to sleep on as he can easily break tackles and blast into the backfield. On the defensive side of the ball, both defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='467267' first='Bronson' last='Crisp'] and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='278377' first='Korey' last='Smith'] should be worth watching due to their disruptiveness and ability to limit possessions with their physical edge and tackling.   Houston also enters Saturday night with some firepower on both sides. The Mustangs have quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'] and running back [player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa'], two obvious offensive weapons that can create problems for the Patriots' defense if given time and space. The Mustangs' defense will also create some challenges due to their collective speed and stopping power. Houston defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] should not be slept on either as his ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and stop the rush will give the Mustangs a huge edge.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Prediction</h2>   It's very difficult to pick a winner in this contest as both squads have matched their records and have played nearly flawless football over the duration of the regular season and playoffs. Both the Patriots and the Mustangs are well-coached and have some truly talented players on both sides of the ball. I would say there will be a huge reliance on defense in this matchup as both offenses can easily force their way into the endzone. Whichever defensive unit that shows out should end up making the difference in the end. Despite a strong effort from Houston, I believe Oakland will prevail in the end, walking away with the "Gold Ball" in a close battle with the Mustangs.   Score: Oakland 31, Houston 28