The road to the BlueCross Bowl saw Memphis-area high school football teams deliver heart-stopping moments, historic comebacks, and championship dreams realized in the TSSAA state semifinals on Friday night.
From MASE’s thrilling last-minute victory to Melrose’s defensive grit and Houston’s steady determination, three local teams punched their tickets to Chattanooga for the state finals, while Fairley’s perfect season came to a valiant end. Here’s a breakdown of the action as Memphis prepares to crown its champions — hopefully.
MASE 40, McKenzie 34
(4A Championship: MASE vs. South Pittsburg)
Late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s TSSAA Semifinal game, MASE quarterback Brody Whittaker surveyed the field and liked his chances of finding the end zone. He connected on a pass to Kadience Nelson with 30 seconds left in the game, and the sophomore receiver scurried into the end zone to take a 40-34 lead.
The sequence capped off a dramatic come-from-behind win over McKenzie, propelling MASE into the 1A Championship game for the first time in school history.
It was a very different story for Whittaker and his teammates coming out after halftime. McKenzie, led by quarterback Tate Surber, dominated the first half. MASE managed to put 12 points on the board, but still allowed a McKenzie touchdown just before halftime. MASE went into the half down 34-12.
MASE had two options: succumb to the pressure of playoff football or continue to scratch and claw back into Friday’s game. MASE head Coach Cedric Miller rallied his troops at the half, and the players responded, storming back into the contest with touchdowns from Nelson and Deaunte Jones.
Players refused to quit, rallying each other to play harder and leave it all on the field. MASE’s defense also tightened up their grip on the game. McKenzie did not score in the second half.
“(McKenzie) ran some things that we had not seen on tape, and I salute their coach for coming up with a heckuva game plan,” Miller said. “My players did a really good job of responding to the pressure and I am proud of them for not shrinking under the pressure.”
Davis and Nelson both displayed their talents in the second half, as their heroics lead a Phoenix squad on the brink of elimination back into the contest.
However, Whittaker, the architect of the MASE offense, shrugged off two first-half interceptions and finished the contest 17 of 31 for 267 yards and four touchdowns, including 3 in the final 6 minutes of play.
Nelson knew his team wasn’t going to lay down and throw in the towel.
“We kept talking about one moment at a time, one play at a time, and that’s what we reminded one another in the huddle,” he said. “We didn’t last the past plays get to us, and that’s how we stayed focused.”
Added Whittaker: “Coach Miller never got discouraged or frustrated with us, he’s simply the best, and I am happy I get to play for him every week.”
With the win, MASE advances to face South Pittsburg in the 1A state championship game Friday afternoon at 2 pm. Miller is ecstatic and confident his team will rise to the occasion. For him, the moment represents his first appearance in the state championship game as a coach in 27 seasons on the sideline.
“This is a huge game for our school and my first state title game, but I am focused on these kids and guiding them to the finish line,” Miller said.
Houston 24, Ravenwood 21
(6A Championship: Houston vs. Oakland)
Houston High School clinched its second consecutive appearance in the Class 6A state championship game with a 24-21 win over previously unbeaten Ravenwood. Led by head coach James Thomas and quarterback Chandler Day, the Mustangs held their composure in a tightly contested battle. Now one win away from back-to-back state titles, Houston will face Oakland High School, who defeated Maryville 21-13, in next weekend’s final.
Melrose 14, Pearl Cohn 7
(4A Championship: Melrose vs. Macon County)
In a nail-biting 14-7 victory over Pearl-Cohn, Melrose High School punched its ticket to the Class 4A championship game. Missouri commit and running back Jarmarion Morrow scored both touchdowns for the Golden Wildcats, including the game-winner with less than a minute left in regulation. Melrose will now face Macon County, who defeated Anderson County 43-41 in their semifinal, in the BlueCross Bowl.
Fairley 16, Milan 21
Fairley’s Perfect Season Ends in Class 2A Semifinals
The Fairley Bulldogs’ undefeated run came to an end with a 21-16 loss to Milan in the Class 2A semifinals. Despite strong performances from quarterback Andre Johnson and versatile standout Zyress Jones, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome Milan’s late-game surge. Milan will face Marion County, who shut out York Institute 42-0, for the Class 2A title.
