5 Takeaways from Round 3 of TSSAA Playoffs for Memphis-area teams
Khari Thompson
1. MUS makes DII-AAA state title game
MUS beat McCallie 10-7 in the DII-AAA semifinals to advance to its first state title game since 2013. Quarterback Sellers Shy threw for 258 yards and completed 22 of his 34 passing attempts. Hunter Kendall rushed for 69 yards and scored the Owls' only touchdown. Dorian Hopkins tallies 12 solo tackles, 4 assists, and a sack. The Owls' (11-0) will face Brentwood Academy (10-2) in the state championship game in Cookeville on Friday Nov. 30.
2. Whitehaven blanks Germantown to reach 5th straight semifinals
Germantown's perfect season came to an end against region foe Whitehaven Friday night. The Tigers prevailed 14-0 in an impressive performance, shutting out the Red Devil offense that scored 38 points on the Tiger defense in the 8-6A region finale. Devin Boddie caught a touchdown pass in the first half and Marcus Taylor scored a rushing touchdown in the second half for the game's only scores. Next, the Tigers host Ravenwood in the 6A semifinals. The two teams played each other in the 2015 semifinals, which eventual state champion Ravenwood won 20-13.
"I love that. We've seen them before," said Whitehaven coach Rodney Saulsberry. "I really appreciate Ravenwood winning so we can see a familiar team and have a little chip on our shoulder because we owe them one. They beat us the last time we played."
3. Horn Lake, Olive Branch, Covington advance
Horn Lake's Nakobe Dean and Raydarrious Jones combined for four rushing touchdowns in a 35-14 win over Starkville, advancing the Eagles to the MIssissippi 6A North state finals. Horn Lake will host Madison Central next Friday.
Olive Branch shut out Holmes County Central 21-0, moving on to the Mississippi 5A North state finals. Gary Banks rushed for 113 yards on 15 carries including a 52 yard touchdown run. Cameron Mosely scored two touchdowns as well. On the defensive side, Jevon Banks and Kylen Norman combined for 19 assists and Caden Burse came up with a sack and an interception. The Conquistadors will travel to West Point next Friday.
Covington beat Milan 22-0 to advance to the TSSAA 3A semifinals. Cordarries Page and Marcus Hayes combined for 276 yards on the ground. Brock Lomax scored two touchdowns. The Chargers host Stratford next Friday.
4. Lausanne, Fayette Academy lose on the road
Lausanne's 38-game winning streak was snapped in Nashville against CPA Friday night. The Lions triumphed 21-14 over the Lynx in the DII-AA semifinals. Eric Gray rushed for 134 yards on 33 carries in the loss.
Following the game, Gray told USA Today Network-Tennessee that he is wavering on his commitment to Michigan. Gray was scheduled to visit Michigan this weekend, but opted to visit Tennessee instead.
"It's the travel and my mom getting there. It's not the only school I can do what I need to do," Gray said of Michigan.
Fayette Academy fell on the road to Friendship Christian 14-7 in the DII-A semifinals. It was the lowest-scoring game of the season for the Viking offense, which had scored 27 points or more in every other game this season.
5. Kirby, Freedom Prep eliminated at home
Kirby was eliminated by visiting Henry County last night in the 5A quarterfinals, drawing the inspirational Cougar season to a close. Despite dealing with displacement due to a rat infestation, and fans bringing rat joke signs to the games earlier in the season, Kirby finished 11-2 and won its region, finishing with the top offense and defense in 8-5A in terms of points scored and allowed.
Freedom Prep lost 52-33 to Lake Co. Friday night in the first 1A state quarterfinal appearance in school history. Qunicy Briggs and Courtney Tate combined for 266 yards rushing in the loss. The Eagles, which started playing football last season, have made the playoffs both years and will likely return two of the top prospects in the area. Freshman QB Tevin Carter, who already has offers from Michigan LSU, and Tennessee among others, and junior OT Chris Morris who is No. 6 in the 247Sports Tennessee 2020 rankings.