Marist at Mary Persons
Marist and Mary Persons are both highly-capable state title contenders. The Marist defense has been exceptional this season, and flexed its muscles last Friday night in a 24-8 win over St. Pius. The victory avenged a 17-0 loss to the Golden Lions earlier in the year. Marist’s only other defeat was a 10-7 loss to Blessed Trinity in their season finale. Mary Persons has been outstanding all season long and carries a perfect 12-0 record into the matchup. Quarterback J.T. Hartage has been flawless in his first two playoff outings—completing 22-of-28 attempts for 555 yards, seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and also rushing for a score. Running back Quen Wilson provides the Mary Person offensive an ideal balance, and took 13 carries for 162 yards and three touchdowns in the 65-21 win over Woodward Academy last Friday.
Cartersville at Baldwin
Incredibly, after starting the season 0-5, Baldwin has managed to set itself up to host Cartersville in the quarterfinals. The Braves cruised past Columbus 21-0 in their latest victory, which extended their winning streak to seven games. Cartersville carries a perfect 12-0 record, and is being led by a highly-effective offense and exceptional defense. The Purple Hurricanes have allowed just 6.17 ppg this season and forced Ridgeland to six turnovers in last Friday’s victory. Statistically, this has been Cartersville’s best defensive season since 1978. Cartersville quarterback Tee Webb has thrown seven touchdowns with two interceptions this postseason, and running back Marcus Gary has taken 47 carries for 320 yards (6.8 ypc) and three touchdowns.
Blessed Trinity at Eastside
Defending state champion Blessed Trinity travels to Eastside in the only Class AAAA matchup that features two 12-0 teams. This will also be the first-ever meeting between the programs—and it should be a classic with two very well-coached teams. Eastside quarterback Noah Cook will look to keep his breakout junior season going against Blessed Trinity's senior quarterback Jake Smith, who will look to keep his incredible varsity career from ending. Eastside running back Taylor Carter ran in three touchdowns in last week's win. Blessed Trinity's backfield features Ohio State-commit and U.S. Army All-American Steele Chambers.
Troup at Cairo
Troup is a win away from its first semifinal appearance since 2001, and Cairo’s last trip was in 2011. Troup is fresh off an impressive 53-14 win over Pickens—a game that saw the Tigers’ athleticism overwhelm the Dragons. Cairo has won 10-straight since opening the year 0-2 and scored a 31-6 win over Thomson last Friday. Junior quarterback Kobe Hudson leads Troup, and has accounted for 235 rushing yards, 426 passing yards and has accounted for 43 of the offense's 61 touchdowns this year.
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