#PRZTN Championship Preview: Oakland vs. Houston

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can the Mustangs earn back to back state titles? Will Oakland recapture the "Gold Ball" after three years without one? These two 6A powers clash on Saturday night, so read up on both these teams below before their showdown under the lights. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakland Patriots </strong>vs. <strong>Houston Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Records: <strong>Patriots </strong>(13-1)&nbsp; <strong>Mustangs </strong>(12-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When: Dec. 7th - 7:00 PM Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where: Chattanooga, TN </strong>(Finley Stadium)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TV/Internet: 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><strong>Oakland - Kevin Creasy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Houston - James Thomas&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></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":["1526934"],"_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-675306dcae5a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Over the second half of the season, Creasy has played and performed like a senior that wants to end his high school career with a state championship. Creasy has played some of his best football over the last month where his passing has become a game changer for the Pats offense while his leadership has helped his team stay focused on winning. He will need another strong performance to win this 6A title as Houston brings one of the better defenses in the state to the field Saturday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219387"],"_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-675306dcae605"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recently committed to Tennessee, Morris is an explosive ball carrier that can hit the home run anytime the ball touches his hands. The Pats like to run the ball, so you can bet Morris will be used early and often. He will be facing one of the best defenses in the state but Morris has a nice balance of power and speed that could work against the Mustangs. Bottling this guy up will be critical for the team out of Memphis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["856867"],"_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-675306dcae65b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sharing the backfield with Morris, this junior two-way talent has come on in a big way this season as a nice compliment at running back while maintaining strong play from his safety position. Over the second half of the season, Tutt has put together multiple big games that have been the difference in winning and losing. His emergence this season has certainly boosted his recruiting stock with multiple Power Four programs looking his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["301392"],"_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-675306dcae6a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Pats top linebacker and future Furman Paladin, Ellison is your consummate worker that does everything right while playing at a high level each and every game. His game play and leadership on the defensive side of the ball will be key in the Pats title contest versus Houston, where Ellison will be tasked with shutting down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] </strong>and the Mustangs rushing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816017"],"_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-675306dcae6e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Your reigning 6A champion quarterback is back again this winter to defend that title and you can bet Day will be ready to play. This West Tennessee quarterback doesn't get enough credit for how good of a high school football player he is and how strong he commands his teammates to play hard with his leadership. Watching Day perform over the last few years, I expect nothing but a gritty, tough performance in this 6A title game that could end with the Mustangs taken home back to back titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["829107"],"_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-675306dcae725"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis is a future college ball carrier that put forth a solid junior season, running for a little over a 1,000 yards but I still feel his best game is in him and maybe that comes Saturday versus Oakland. His success in the backfield could be a key component in the Mustangs hopes at pulling off back to back 6A titles. If Davis is allowed to go-off, helping the Houston offense control the ball, I think this Memphis area program could go home with another state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["529774"],"_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-675306dcae766"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Mustangs best overall athlete started to flex his muscle in a big way over the second half of the season where he continued to make plays from the secondary but his offensive work has made the Mustangs more formidable. James has added athleticism and big play abilities to the backfield and it's made a difference. That kind of play will need to continue Saturday night against a solid Oakland defense. Look for James to be a potential game changer in this title match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1110694"],"_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-675306dcae7aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allen has been as consistent as anyone on his team this 2024 season and it's continued here in the playoffs. The Mustangs senior safety has made big play after play, including a few on offense and it must continue against Oakland. Allen is a bonafide playmaker that tends to be around the ball on a consistent basis. He is also a strong leader and competitor that will do everything it takes to see his team win.</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><strong>- </strong>We have a rematch here in the 6A ranks from last year's Blue Cross Bowl where Houston stunned many around the state when they took down Oakland but can they do it again? They have a chance to as these two powers clash yet again Saturday night in what could be one of the more entertaining games in Chattanooga. Both these teams play a physical brand of football while being well coached, so I'm expecting a close contest with one of two moments dictating the outcome.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many will have Houston as the favorite due to their win last year over Oakland but the Patriots have been one of the top programs in the state for almost two decades now, so I expect them to come ready to play. The Pats are led by their offense and veteran backfield of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1526934' first='Kyler' last='Creasy']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris'] </strong>along with star junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt']</strong>. Those three have been outstanding most of the 2024 season but have really come on over the second half of the year to push their offense to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1568743,"width":"338px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/ctutt2.webp?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1568743" style="width:338px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs defense will have a challenge on their hands with the Pats “O” but so does Oakland, going against a veteran Houston offense. Led by the backfield of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529774' first='Ladeadrick' last='James']</strong>, the Mustangs have turned up the heat here of late where their offense has begun to score much more and I think that's due to the playmaking threat of James. His addition to the backfield has pushed the offense forward and he along with the other two, must be on point because I'm sure the Oakland defense is keyed up for this matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402528' first='Caleb' last='Ellison'] </strong>and <strong>Justin Barber </strong>have the task of stopping the Mustangs backfield but they must receive good play up front from their D-lineman to cause damage. Much of the same can be said for the Mustangs defense as well as they have a tall task on their hands, competing versus a potent Patriots backfield. Guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='Williams'] </strong>have to show up and do good work in the trenches for the Mustangs to slow down the Pats rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1313470,"width":"397px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ghagan.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1313470" style="width:397px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ball control and turnovers could also play key roles in this title game. Neither team is prone to turning the ball over that much, so if either team does so, the opposition could have an easier path to victory. It will be cold too as well. Weather could play a factor but I don't think it will too much as both teams like to run the ball more than slinging it. Maybe whoever establishes a passing attack, could can an edge. I expect this to be a hard fought, physical contest that goes into the 4th quarter before anything is settled.&nbsp;</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>- It's tough to pick a winner in this matchup as I can see either team taking home the title. Both will come ready to compete with Houston looking to earn back to back titles while Oakland looks to bring their 8th overall state title home and their first since 2022. Something must give between these two to find victory with those little, simple moments that happen in championship games being the difference.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running the ball will be on full display in this game and whoever commands the ground more, will gain an upper edge. I think that edge will go to Oakland as they are hot right now with Morris and Tutt playing at a high level. It's hard to handle both these guys and I think in the end, those two ball carriers should prove to be difference makers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston will battle and stay right there with the Patriots but I think it's payback time. Oakland is hungry to take this game after last year's defeat and primed to put another “Gold Ball” in their trophy case.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Score: <strong>Oakland </strong>30 <strong>Houston </strong>24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1356805,"width":"307px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/dmorris.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1356805" style="width:307px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->