Several high school football brackets will feature familiar names, after four area teams advanced from the semifinals to championship games in their respective classes on Friday, Nov. 22.
On the top of the food chain is defending 6A state champions Houston High School, who overwhelmed Collierville 33-14. The mustangs were led by Senior Chandler Day, who went 4-10 passing for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also had two carries for touchdowns. Fellow upperclassman Leadrick James rushed for 100 yards in the win.
Ravenwood (13-0) travels to Houston next.
In other games, Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering flew past Union City 42-0 to proceed to the next round of the state Class 1A playoffs.
The game was a grudge match from last year’s playoffs.
“Revenge was on our mind all week. The one-point loss left a bitter taste in our mouths. Last year we dropped three touchdowns that cost us the game. These kids fought their butts off all year. The defense played outstanding tonight,” said MASE head coach Cedric Miller.
Senior Brody Whitakker connected on 16 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns in the win. MASE senior wide receiver Darius Smith led all receivers with 135 yards, while Duante Jones – also a senior – contributed 100 yards on the ground for the Phoenix.
The Phoenix improve to to 11-1. They host McKenzie (13-0).
Union City’s season ends with a 10-3 record.
Undefeated Fairley also topped visiting Memphis Business Academy 48-18 to advance to the 2A championship. It was the second year in a row the Bulldogs topped the Execs in the state semifinal game.
Andre Johnson passed for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Zyress Jones pitched in 96 all-purpose yards, including three touchdowns. Anquan Richmond also contributed 96 all-purpose yards, while Julian Porter’s 79 all-purpose yards included a touchdown.
Memphis Business Academy finished the 2024 season with a 8-3 record.
The Bulldogs (11-0) travel to Milan (12-1).
Across town, Melrose High School continued its march through the Class 4A division with 35-15 toppling of Dyer County. The Golden Wildcats came back from a 7-0 first quarter margin on the strength of Jarmarion Morrow’s 248 all-purpose yards. The senior has committed to the University of Missouri. He was joined by teammate Rhyan Brown, who rushed for 154 yards and a TD.
Melrose (9-3) advances to its first championship game since 2005. They will travel to Pearl Cohn (10-3).
All state championship games kick off on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
