#PRZTN Championship Preview: NCS vs. Columbia Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nashville Christian Eagles</strong> vs. <strong>Columbia Academy Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records:</strong> <strong>Eagles</strong> (11-1) <strong>Bulldogs</strong> (10-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When: Dec. 5 - 3:00 pm</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where: Chattanooga, TN</strong> (Finley Stadium)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TV/Internet:</strong> <strong>WUXP-30, TSSAAsports.com</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>– – –</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coaches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nashville Christian: <strong>Jeff Brothers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Columbia Academy: <strong>Seth Anderson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>– – – – –</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402548"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674f656918012"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'], a quarterback at Nashville Christian School. On top of excellent arm strength, what stands out about Curtis is his ability to quickly scan the backfield and consistently complete the deep pass. I also like how Curtis can shake the defense under pressure and get the ball out of his hands before the defense can make contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MepWv">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["839988"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674f6c566d378"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='839988' first='Harrison' last='Brownlee'], an athlete at Columbia Academy. Brownlee catches my attention defensively with his ability to read the quick handoff and disrupt the rush in the pocket. On the other side of the ball, Brownlee stands out with his ability to haul in the deep pass and take it all the way to the house from along the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qv1D1">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1192882"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674f6ccb464a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1192882' first='Stephen' last='Nieves'], a quarterback at Columbia Academy. Nieves catches my attention with his ability to complete the challenging pass under pressure, showcasing his arm strength and pin-point accuracy in the air. I also like how Nieves can play quick off the snap and immediately find an open receiver in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2R4qnc">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1002753"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674f6c566d3cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another skilled prospect to watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='1002753' first='Montae' last='Baldwin'], a running back at Columbia Academy. What impresses me about Baldwin is his ability to break tackles and shake the defense on the run, showcasing his ability to juke out defenders and break free into the backfield. I also like how Baldwin can bully defenders off the snap, utilizing his durability to stay on his feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QrzC8">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["834574"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674f6ad4ef964"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='834574' first='Brock' last='Haywood'], a running back at Nashville Christian School. Wbat stands out about Haywood is his ability to get open for the short pass as well as his ability to blast past the defense in the pocket. I also like how Haywood can break tackles from along the edge, proving he can march into the endzone for the touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qf5BQ">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284142"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674f6b6762d20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='284142' first='Bryson' last='Holt'], an athlete at Nashville Christian School. In addition to excellent footwork, what impresses me about Holt is his explosive speed, proving he can blast past defenders with the rock in his hands. Another aspect of Holt that stands out is his ability to break tackles on the run and fight for extra steps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14769299/6562831102b31d0d843b7a6f">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>– – – – –</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Preview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nashville Christian School and Columbia Academy will meet in the championship game on Thursday after making their presence known in postseason play. Nashville Christian has a good chance of earning the title this year as [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] has been unstoppable at the helm of the offense. First, the Eagles will need to outlast Columbia Academy, which have had an outstanding season as well. In the Bulldogs' last matchup against NCS, the Eagles pulled off a 45-7 blowout victory. I believe that things will be much closer this time around as both ball clubs have played consistently during the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to Curtis, the Eagles will have several playmakers that the Bulldogs will need to lock down in order to win. Columbia Academy's defense will need to stop [player_tooltip player_id='834574' first='Brock' last='Haywood'] from finding space and breaking free into the backfield. Another prospect to watch out for is [player_tooltip player_id='284142' first='Bryson' last='Holt'], who can quickly put his team in solid field position from along the edge. Columbia Academy's defense will need to play consistently in order to shut down a very good NCS offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Columbia Academy also has some great players that will likely give Nashville Christian some issues in the title game. One of the biggest threats to NCS would be [player_tooltip player_id='839988' first='Harrison' last='Brownlee'] due to his ability to make plays on both sides of the ball. Brownlee's great size and speed off the snap make him a difficult target to lock down. At the helm of the offense is [player_tooltip player_id='1192882' first='Stephen' last='Nieves'], who could make some big throws throughout the title game. Another offensive weapon on the Bulldogs' roster is [player_tooltip player_id='1002753' first='Montae' last='Baldwin'], who has proven his ability to find openings in the pocket to pick up yards as well as blast past the defense into the endzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>– – – – –&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I expect the rematch between Nashville Christian and Columbia Academy to be closer than before, I predict Nashville Christian will once again come out on top, defeating the Bulldogs in the D2-Class A championship game thanks to a solid performance on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Score: <strong>Nashville Christian</strong> 27 <strong>Columbia Academy</strong> 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->