Here is everything you need to know about this week’s MAIS Football State Championships.
CLASS 4A, DIVISION I
HARTFIELD ACADEMY HAWKS (6-5) vs. JACKSON ACADEMY RAIDERS (10-1)
Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m., at Mississippi College
Hawks at a Glance
Head Coach: Craig Bowman.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 5 in MAIS Top 10, No. 5 in MAIS Class 4A.
State Championships: 2024, 2023.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2023, 2021.
Players to Watch: WR/DB Bralan Womack (Auburn commit, 868 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, 206 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns, 26 tackles, 1 interception); TE/DE Peyton Trigg (51 tackles, 9 sacks, 9 tackles for loss); TE/LB Coleman Williams (45 tackles, 2.5 sacks); QB Ethan Elliott (1,663 yards passing, 14 touchdowns, 717 yards rushing, 7 touchdowns); RB Collin McIntyre (869 yards rushing, 8 touchdowns); TE/LB Coleman Yoder (46 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 receiving touchdown).
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Jackson Prep 48-21.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 32.5.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 27.2.
Coach Speak: “When we started and the way we started we didn’t know we were going to be here and didn’t know how this team was going to respond and only responded the way our seniors lead us and so I’m really proud of that group for the start of the season wasn’t going to dictate the rest of the season. Getting back here is special and four times in the past five years is a lot of fun and a testament where the program is at. JA is a really good team and have weapons everywhere. It’s like playing the Packers. They’re elite everywhere and coached by an elite defensive minded coach. They’re fun to play against those guys, so it will be an exciting game. It’s going to be a challenge, so we got learn ways their going to attack us and ways we’re going to attack them. We’ve in this game the last two years, so we know what to expect, so that’s an advantage,” Bowman said.
Raiders at a Glance
Head Coach: David Duggan.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 2 in Little 10, No. 2 in MAIS Top 10, No. 2 in MAIS Class 4A.
State Championships: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1996, 1995.
State Championship Appearances: 2020, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1984.
Players to Watch: QB Josef Walker (1,812 yards passing, 22 touchdowns; 420 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns); RB Aaric Beasley (802 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns); WR Jaydann Hollins (9 special team touchdowns); LB T.J. White (Tennessee commit, 51 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks; 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries) DL Dereon Albert (Tennessee commit, 50 tackles. 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks); S Carter Mathison (59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery); S Baird Kennedy (46 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries).
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. MRA 35-0.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 40.7.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 10.9.
Coach Speak: “I’m pretty excited for my team for putting in a lot of hard work and it seems like it’s paying off and it’s enjoying seeing their success. We haven’t been here in a while and I’m just happy to getting us back to this point and everyone has been supportive. Hartfield is the two-time state champion, so we got to go through those guys to get what we’re trying to achieve. Hartfield is a really good football team and very well-coached and got guys that are dynamic with the ball in their hands. It’s going to be a challenge for our defense to stop them. We got to prevent the little mistakes, penalties, get behind the chains, and capitalize on opportunities when their presented and staying the course and have your good players step up and make some plays,” Duggan said.
Buzz: Defense wins championships, and the Raider defense comes up big.
Pick: Jackson Academy 35-28
CLASS 4A, DIVISION II
PARKLANE ACADEMY PIONEERS (10-1) vs. HERITAGE ACADEMY PATRIOTS (10-2)
Kickoff: Friday, 7 p.m., at Jackson Academy
Pioneers at a Glance
Head Coach: Ron Rushing.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 4 in Little 10, No. 3 in MAIS Top 10, No. 3 in MAIS Class 4A.
State Championships: 2024, 1994, 1993, 1989, 1987, 1986.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2017, 1994, 1993, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986.
Players to Watch: QB Braxton Hughes (1,965 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, 4 rushing touchdowns); RB Tanner Kyzar (890 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns); WR Davis Carruth (965 yards receiving, 8 touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns); DE Telvin Jefferson (18 tackles, 10 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 22.5 QB hurries); LB Jay Alldredge (46.5 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble).
How they got here: First Round Bye: def. Starkville Academy 26-0.
Coach Speak: “Heritage presents a lot of problems, they are very skilled, and big up front, so very well coached and very well schemed on both sides of the ball. We haven’t put four quarters together as a team this year, so this has to be our best effort on both sides of the ball. They take a lot of shots down field, so we got to eliminate the explosive play with them defensively and contain the quarterback. Offensively, we got to get the ball to our playmakers, spread the ball around and let them get in space,” Rushing said.
Patriots at a Glance
Head Coach: Tobias Smith.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 8 MAIS Top 10, No. 7 in MAIS Class 4A.
State Championships: 2021, 2019, 2012, 1986.
State Championship Appearances: 2021, 2019, 2012, 2005, 2003, 1999, 1994, 1986, 1972.
Players to Watch: QB Joshua Tate; WR/DB Xzavier Webber (Austin Peay commit); WR/DB Chris Willis; TE/DE Dallas Davis (Central Arkansas commit); WR/DB Charlie Flower (East Central CC baseball signee).
How they got here: def. Oak Forest (La.) 35-7; def. Magnolia Heights 22-18.
Coach Speak: “It’s been a really good season for us. Like everyone else coming into the season they love their team, but the schedule we played really helped us get to this point. Parklane is a really good team. They have depth and got guys that can run, athletic, big on the offensive and defensive line, so they can line up and do whatever they want to do. “We got to be fast on defense and tackle well. Offensively, we got to stay ahead of schedule, don’t get behind the chains and don’t turn the ball over,” Smith said.
Buzz: This should be a close game, but Pioneers go back-to-back.
Pick: Parklane Academy 28-21.
CLASS 4A, DIVISION III
LAMAR SCHOOL RAIDERS (8-4) vs. BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY COUGARS (8-4)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m., at Mississippi College
Raiders at a Glance
Head Coach: Jacob Land.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 10 in MAIS Top 10, No. 9 in MAIS Class 4A.
State Championships: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2007, 2003.
State Championship Appearances: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2003, 1982.
Players to Watch: QB Sullivan Reed (Mississippi State baseball commit, 2,355 yards passing, 25 touchdowns, 6 rushing touchdowns); WR/DB Jalin Trotter (North Alabama commit, 1,107 yards receiving, 15 touchdowns, 28 tackles, 1 interception); RB/LB Tyler Brown (386 yards rushing, 8 touchdowns, 152 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries); LB Luke Morrow (123 tackles, 22 tackles for loss); DB MiKeal Willis (Navy commit, 34 tackles, 8 pass break-ups, 1 interception, 1 blocked field goal); DB Luke Brady (51 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries).
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Cathedral 40-6.
Coach Speak: ““It’s been great year and probably the most enjoyable year for me especially as a head coach. We got very talented kids that going to move on to play college football, but their extremely hard workers and this team has a combination of both. Kids bought into that of showing up ready to work and enjoy being around the team and coaches and it’s been a fun ride and really excited to go compete for a championship. Brookhaven is good. Their staff has done a great job of changing that football program in one year. They’ve won a lot of close games this year. Their players are extremely well coached and have bought into their schemes and that is going to be a huge challenge on Saturday. We got to take care of the football and create some turnovers on defense to be successful. We got to make this just like it’s another game and not make the game bigger than what it already is,” Land said.
Cougars at a Glance
Head Coach: Ryan Ross.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: Not ranked.
State Championships: 2012, 2009.
State Championship Appearances: 2012, 2009.
Players to Watch: QB Will Newell (1,758 yards passing, 15 touchdowns); RB Walt Smith (800 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns); WR Talon Welch (502 yards receiving, 7 touchdowns); OL/DE Cole Spencer; OL/DL Hamp Smith.
How they got here: def. Simpson Academy 27-14; def. Silliman (La.) 42-14.
Coach Speak: ““Our guys have really done well coming together and executing our plans every week and playing their tails off and kind of created their own luck. Lamar is really good, well coached and very talented. It’s going to be a challenge,” Ross said.
Buzz: Raiders offense too much.
Pick: Lamar School 31-20
CLASS 3A, DIVISION I
TRI-COUNTY ACADEMY REBELS (10-1) vs. LEAKE ACADEMY REBELS (9-2)
Kickoff: Thursday, 7 p.m., at Jackson Academy
Tri-County Academy Rebels at a Glance
Head Coach: Philip Wasson.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 7 in MAIS Top 10, No. 1 in MAIS Class 3A.
State Championships: 2024, 2023, 2021, 2012, 2011, 1985, 1984.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2000, 1997, 1996, 1990, 1985, 1984, 1978.
Players to Watch: QB Cooper Johnson (1,088 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, 718 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns); RB Hayden Hunt (752 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns); WR/DB Peyton Patridge (434 yards receiving, 4 touchdowns, 30 tackles, 3 interceptions); LB Luke Power (63 tackles); DE Bryce Brooks (48 tackles, 13 sacks); DL Brian Bergeron (39 tackles, 4 sacks).
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Columbia Academy 44-7.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 43.2.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 9.9.
Coach Speak: “It’s a normal week for us and load the wagon. It’s just another football game for us even with it being a state championship. Leake is a special opponent, they are extremely well coached, I’ve known those coaches my own coaching career and they’re going to be physical. We have a physical group and like to run it a lot, and they throw it a lot, so it’ll come down to who don’t make any mistakes,” Wasson said.
Leake Academy Rebels at a Glance
Head Coach: Brian Pickens.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 3 in MAIS Class 3A.
State Championships: 2020.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2020, 2010, 1975, 1974.
Players to Watch: QB George Wilcox (2,649 yards passing, 33 touchdowns, 110 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns); WR/DB Easton Page (1,253 yards receiving, 18 touchdowns); RB WR/DB Gage Warren (710 yards receiving, 9 touchdowns, 1 interception); RB Garrett Adcock (1,014 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns); LB Coby Kemp (89 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery); DB Joshua Gray (50 tackles, 2 interceptions).
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Washington School 63-28.
Points Per Game: 39.1.
Points Allow Per Game: 19.5.
Coach Speak: “We’re very grateful to get back, you can’t take these things like this for granted. It’s been a long time since Leake Academy has played in back-to-back state championships, so I’m proud of this group. This was their goal when we started back in the summer was to get back here. Tri-County is a super team, very physical, and a total package of what you think of in a high school football team. They play gritty on offense and run right at you, and on defense they get after it with a lot of intensity. They are very well coached. Huge game for us and it’s going to be a challenge. We got to be physical on defense and offensively we got to do what we do and be explosive, but we got to be consistent in the run game,” Pickens said.
Buzz: This should be a lot closer than the regular season matchup turned out, but Tri-County makes history.
Pick: Tri-County Academy 34-21
CLASS 3A, DIVISION II
ADAMS CHRISTIAN REBELS (10-3) vs. MARSHALL ACADEMY PATRIOTS (10-2)
Kickoff: Thursday, 3 p.m., at Jackson Academy
Rebels at a Glance
Head Coach: David King.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 6 in MAIS Class 3A.
State Championships: 2023, 2018, 1982.
State Championship Appearances: 2023, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 1982.
Players to Watch: QB Colton Rabb; RB/LB Sean Kerry Cothern; WR C.J. Ferguson; OL Maddox McDonald.
How they got here: def. Amite School 34-18; def. Wayne Academy 33-7.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 32.2.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 20.1.
Coach Speak: “It’s always good to get back here and I don’t know how many people expected us to be here with all the injuries we’ve had. We’ve had a lot of emotions take place, so to be at this point with the kids and see them put it all together at the right time and we’re playing our best football. We’re going to have to play a whole lot better than we’ve been playing to even stay on the field with Marshall, they are that good. There’s no pressure on us, we are just excited to be here. Marshall has outstanding skill players, so they want to make it a track meet, where as we are wanting to make it a MMA fight. We got to be physical in the trenches and run the ball and keep it close and make it through four quarters. Most of their games have been blow outs,” King said.
Patriots at a Glance
Interim Head Coach: Bart Jenkins
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 5 in MAIS Class 3A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2013, 2012, 2007.
Players to Watch: QB Connor Floyd; WR/FS Devin Snow; ATH Ashton Franklin; WR/DB Savion McGhee; LB Brennan Smith; LB Dom Green.
How they got here: def. Central Hinds 40-7; def. Rossville Christian (Tenn.) 40-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 38.2.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 19.3.
Coach Speak: “The journey for Marshall Academy is dated throughout history we’ve had this opportunity several times and never got it done. It’s nice to be back down here again, but the most pivotal momentum is when I took over in the first round on that Tuesday and the resolve of our football team and young men to step up to have an actual business like mentality and attitude and take accountability. Keys for us will be we have to block them up front and get the ball to the perimeter as fast as we can in the hands of our playmakers,” Jenkins said.
Buzz: Since that last regular season game forced them play on the road every road of the playoffs the Patriots end the journey with a trophy.
Pick: Marshall Academy 27-14
CLASS 2A, DIVISION I
CENTREVILLE ACADEMY TIGERS (11-1) vs. LEE ACADEMY COLTS (8-3)
Kickoff: Friday, 3 p.m., at Jackson Academy
Tigers at a Glance
Head Coach: Bill Hurst.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 1 in MAIS Class 2A.
State Championships: 2014, 2008, 2007, 1999, 1998, 1991, 1989, 1979, 1976.
State Championship Appearances: 2018, 2014, 2013, 2008, 2007, 2004, 1999, 1998, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1979, 1976.
Players to Watch: QB Payton Toler; RB Garrett Jeansonne; FB/LB Kennith Crowe; WR/DB John Austin Sterling; DB Preston Redmond.
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Greenville St. Joseph 56-22.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 39.8.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 16.3.
Coach Speak: “We’ve had a great year, and the kids have come in and played well. Very fortunate and proud to be here. We don’t have depth on the offensive line. We started the season with five linemen, and we got the same five left playing, so that’s a blessing. Lee is well coached, and they mix the ball up a lot and present a lot of problems. Their running back will be the best we’ve played against this year, and he does a great job and got great support around him. Offensively, we’re not very fast we just got to line up and run the football, be physical, and do what we do best,” Hurst said.
Colts at a Glance
Head Coach: Rick Johnston.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 4 in MAIS Class 2A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 1987.
Players to Watch: RB Desi Monix; QB/DB Brayden Antici; TE/DE Jonathan Redwine; RB/LB Jackson Lively; OL/LB Payton Burton; OL/DL Adonnis Cannon.
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Winona Christian 30-23.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 35.0.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 19.2.
Coach Speak: “Our school hasn’t been here since 1987, so getting here is so hard to get here and our kids are excited for the challenge. We’ve got a close group and excited about Friday. Coach Hurst is a legend and has been doing this for a long time and has a really good football team, so it will be a big-time challenge for us. We got to play mistake free football, and we’ve got to tackle well,” Johnston said.
Buzz: The Colts will have the best player, but the Tigers defense is the difference.
Pick: Centreville Academy 30-20
CLASS 2A, DIVISION II
OAK HILL ACADEMY RAIDERS (9-3) vs. WINSTON ACADEMY PATRIOTS (4-8)
Kickoff: Saturday, 11 a.m., at Mississippi College
Patriots at a Glance
Head Coach: Pat Byrd.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 8 in MAIS Class 2A.
State Championships: 2000, 1999, 1997, 1983, 1975.
State Championship Appearances: 2000, 1999, 1997, 1991, 1986, 1983, 1975.
Players to Watch: QB/DB Jayson McMillin (659 yards passing, 6 touchdowns, 126 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions); RB/SS Beau Boatner (372 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns, 149 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns, 141 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 interception); RB/LB Jonah Hood (478 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns, 1 receiving touchdown, 689 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception); WR/DB Kingsley Ashford (667 yards receiving, 6 touchdowns, 84 tackles, 2 interceptions); TE/DE Rett Hatcher (65 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 4 sacks).
How they got here: def. Greenville Christian 29-0; def. North Delta 28-14.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 15.1.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 23.9.
Coach Speak: ““The key is our kids got better each week and here we are trying to win a football game. They got more size than we do, so we got to be more aggressive and move and win the line of scrimmage. We got to take care of the football. The first time we played them we turned it over four times, so we can’t turn the ball over and we can take our chances,” Byrd said.
Raiders at a Glance
Head Coach: Tom Goode.
Mississippi Gridiron Ranking: No. 3 in MAIS Class 2A.
State Championships: 1990.
State Championship Appearances: 1990, 1989.
Players to Watch: QB Jackson Holton; RB Boston Cunningham; TE Simon Reynolds; WR Chantz Harris; LB Sam Baggett; LB Brody Buchanan.
How they got here: def. Carroll Academy 54-20; def. Kirk Academy 36-24.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 32.1.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 17.4.
Coach Speak: “Exciting to be here and a lot of big changes since last year not winning a game and relied on our seniors being leaders and if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be here. We faced them in the middle of the year, so we’ve seen, and Coach Byrd and those guys play hard from the first play to the last play of the game. A good, coached football team. Each week I tell the kids especially this time of year the team that makes the least number of mistakes, doesn’t turn the ball over, and limit the penalties will determine who wins the game. This will be an equally matched type of game,” Goode said.
Buzz: The Raiders ran away from the Patriots in the regular season matchup thanks to four turnovers, but Raiders are still too much.
Pick: Oak Hill Academy 34-17
CLASS 1A, DIVISION I
RIVER OAKS SCHOOL (LA.) MUSTANGS (10-0) vs. HUMPHREYS ACADEMY REBELS (11-1)
Kickoff: Wednesday, 6 p.m., at Jackson Academy
Mustangs at a Glance
Head Coach: Bo Barton
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 1 in MAIS Class 1A.
State Championships: 2010,
State Championship Appearances: 2011, 2010,
Players to Watch: QB Andrew Robinson; WR/LB Montavious Murphy; RB/DE John David Green; TE/DE Cayden Vanderberg; WR Kaden Ramer; LB Louis McDaniel.
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Sylva-Bay Academy 40-34; def. Newton Co. Academy 42-12.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 46.9
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 20.8.
Coach Speak: “We haven’t lost a regular season game in two years, but like everyone else we’ve had ups and downs, battled injuries, and guys stepped up. We have 13 seniors on this team that has dominated on both sides of the ball and that’s uncommon for 8-man football. It’s been a great journey to get to this game. Playing on Wednesday is odd, but Humphreys is very dynamic. Their quarterback is fantastic and makes a lot of plays and this will be the best matchup we’ve seen all year,” assistant coach Kent Yates said.
Rebels at a Glance
Head Coach: Jerry Wayne McLendon.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 4 in MAIS Class 1A.
State Championships: None.
State Championship Appearances: 2017.
Players to Watch: QB/LB Steele Taylor; TE/DE Pernell Cork; TE/DL Jerry Johnson; TE/DE Aust Minor Tirey; RB/DE Jaxson Davis.
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Deer Creek 36-14; def. Prairie View (La.) 40-12.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 41.5.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 16.8.
Coach Speak: “It’s been a journey to get back here. When we beat DeSoto in Week 3 and then we followed that by beating two other good teams then at that point we knew we had a chance to make a run. Our quarterback makes us go, so we rely on him a lot along with our other playmakers on offense and we cannot turn the ball over and stay ahead of the sticks. River Oaks has speed all over the place, so defensively we have to play sound and tackle well,” McLendon said.
Buzz: River Oaks speed is too much.
Pick: River Oaks (La.) 40-22
CLASS 1A, DIVISION II
DESOTO SCHOOL (ARK.) THUNDERBIRDS (9-2) vs. TALLULAH ACADEMY (LA.) TROJANS (8-5)
Kickoff: Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Jackson Academy
Thunderbirds at a Glance
Head Coach: Sam Pearson.
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 6 in MAIS Class 1A.
State Championships: 2024, 2023, 2021, 2008.
State Championship Appearances: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2009, 2008, 1992.
Players to Watch: QB Matthew Gregory; OL/DL Ty Rhodes; TE Holden Harmon; RB/LB Rance Turner; WR/DB Blane Smith.
How they got here: First Round Bye; def. Lee (Ark.) 38-20; def. Calhoun Academy 42-0.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 40.0.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 16.4.
Coach Speak: “The goal every year is to get here, but this year we had our ups and downs and our seniors did a great job of taking over to lead the team and getting us to this point. Tallulah plays football the way it’s supposed to be played, they get after you and play with a lot of intensity. They have size and speed and a lot of enthusiasm. We got to take care of the ball on offense and stay ahead and not get behind the chains and really focus on the two-point conversions. Just do what we do best and let everything else fall into place,” Pearson said.
Trojans at a Glance
Head Coach: Ryan Williams
Mississippi Gridiron Rankings: No. 7 in MAIS Class 1A.
State Championships: 2018, 2016, 2015.
State Championship Appearances: 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014.
Players to Watch: QB J.T. McDaniel; RB/LB Owen Martin; WR/DL Denton Ray; RB/LB Cooper Ellerbee; OL/DL Caleb Grady; OL/LB Stewart Grady.
How they got here: def. Heritage Christian 50-14; def. Briarfield (La.) 22-18; def. Columbus Christian 56-32.
Points Per Game (Avg.): 34.0.
Points Allow Per Game (Avg.): 26.2.
Coach Speak: “Tallulah has a strong tradition of making state championship runs. My first year in 2022 the seniors now were freshmen, so it’s pretty cool to have them back to play in this game. In five times we’ve played in this game this is our third meeting with DeSoto and Coach Pearson is one of the best coaches there is, so we know it’s going to be a tough fight so we’re ready for the challenge. We got to take care of the football and not turn it over. We got to know our assignments and tackle well. I want the kids to embrace the momentum and go out on the field on Friday and give it all they got,” Williams said.
Buzz: DeSoto too much experience in this one.
Pick: DeSoto (Ark.) 38-28
