#PRZTN Championship Preview: Baylor vs. McCallie

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor Red Raiders</strong> vs. <strong>McCallie Blue Tornado</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records:</strong> <strong>Red Raiders</strong> (12-0) <strong>Blue Tornado</strong> (10-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When:</strong> <strong>Dec. 5 - 7:00 pm</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where:</strong> <strong>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>Baylor: <strong>Erik Kimrey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie: <strong>Joel Bradford</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":["402532"],"_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-674f695a0bd24"} --> <!-- 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='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'], a defensive back at McCallie High School. What impresses me about Smith is his ability to read the offense like a book, proving he can elevate off the ground to haul in the clutch interception. I also like how Smith can cover receivers down the stretch, showcasing his defensive strength and speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20632876/66ee5c6a9b4596cc7c4bbd8a">Tape:</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219372"],"_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-674f688f90ce0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='219372' first='Carson' last='Lawrence'], a defensive back at McCallie High School. What stands out about Lawrence's playstyle is his ability to read the offense like a book and expect the deep pass. I also like how Lawrence can consistently pick off the quarterback and fight his way into enemy territory after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QxYjk">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220241"],"_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-674f67fb27ed2"} --> <!-- 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='220241' first='Joakim' last='Dodson'], a wide receiver at Baylor High School. Dodson stands out with his outstanding breakaway speed, showcasing his ability to get wide open for the deep pass from along the edge. I also like how Dodson can elevate off the ground to meet the ball in the air, proving his efficiency as a receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MpbW7">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1058887"],"_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-674f67fb27f34"} --> <!-- 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='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight'], a running back at Baylor High School. What makes Mills-Knight so explosive is his ability to find openings in the defense to break free into the backfield for the touchdown. I also like how Mills-Knight can blast past the opposition from along the edge, proving he can march into enemy territory with ease.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LyPjz">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["222957"],"_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-674f65da82d93"} --> <!-- 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='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'], a quarterback at Baylor High School. Cherry impresses me with his arm strength and accuracy, showcasing his ability to connect with his receivers deep in the backfield for the score. I also like how Cherry can hit his receivers in stride from along the edge, proving he can overwhelm the defense in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19584335/66d38a38a44e6223a743b5c9">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["867171"],"_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-674f6a1b0b311"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins'], a defensive lineman at McCallie High School. In addition to excellent speed off the snap, Hudgins stands out with his ability to read the offensive line and utilize his strength to overpower the opposition. I also like how Hudgins can read the quarterback and quickly apply pressure off the snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QvV4f">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>Baylor and McCallie will meet in the championship game once again this year after proving themselves during both the regular season and postseason play. While Baylor came out on top against McCallie during the regular season, I believe the title game is going to be very close between these two talented ball clubs. During the regular season, Baylor picked up a huge 44-12 win over McCallie. This time around, I believe it could be anybody's game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baylor has an assortment of talented prospects that will likely make their presence known in a big way during the title game. At the helm of the Red Raiders' offense is [player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'], who has been unstoppable throughout the season with his arm strength and accuracy in the air. Another playmaker to keep an eye on is Tennessee commit [player_tooltip player_id='220241' first='Joakim' last='Dodson'], who has been highly explosive down the stretch with his catching ability. The Blue Tornado will also need to watch out for Ole Miss commit [player_tooltip player_id='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight'], who has proven his ability to break free from the defense on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCallie also has some outstanding players that could easily change the course of the title game, including several dangerous defensive weapons. I'm looking hard at [player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'], a Notre Dame commit, as he has proven all year long that he can provide excellent coverage on receivers and pick off the quarterback deep in the backfield. Vanderbilt commit [player_tooltip player_id='219372' first='Carson' last='Lawrence'] is another defensive prospect that the Red Raiders will need to watch out for as he can quickly shut down the deep pass and get in prime position to pick off the quarterback. I'm also impressed by [player_tooltip player_id='867171' first='Jaden' last='Hudgins'] due to his size, speed and ability to cause chaos for the offensive line. Hudgins could easily become a problem for Baylor's offense as he's proven his ability to apply pressure all season long.</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 a much closer contest between these two rival ball clubs, I am once again expecting Baylor to win it against the Blue Tornado in the D2-Class AAA championship game as the Red Raiders have been consistent on both sides of the ball this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Score: <strong>Baylor </strong>31 <strong>McCallie</strong> 27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->