SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (13-0) GREENBACK CHEROKEES (11-1) AT
Storyline: This is a rematch of last year’s semifinal, where the Cherokees rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit — sparked by a 37-yard scoring pass on fourth-and-12 — to score seven of the next eight touchdowns and pull away for a 42-27 win. Greenback has finished state runner-up each of the past two seasons, while South Pitt is looking to get back to the title game for the first time since 2013. The Cherokees are averaging 44 points per game, including 53-plus in each of their past five games. Junior RB Breeden Gilbert (5-10, 195) is Greenback’s most dangerous offensive player, particularly when he’s running from the wildcat formation. So far this season he has 863 rushing yards and 18 TDs, and dual-threat QB Bryce Hanley has 1,756 rushing and passing yards combined and 18 total TDs. Those two also make up part of an active LB group. Sophomore WR Holden Willis (6-3, 185) creates matchup problems because of his height and athleticism and junior RB Josh Edwards (6-0, 185) has a slashing running style that complements the physical Gilbert. Junior Reese Plemons (6-1, 250) is the Cherokees’ best lineman on both sides of the ball. Not being able to match Greenback’s physicality was a major point of emphasis for South Pitt during its offseason strength-and-conditioning program and tonight will be the best gauge to determine if the gap has been closed. It all starts up front with OL Grayson Lawson, Dakota Blevins, E.J. Cagle, Hayden Branham and Cooper Stewart, who pave the way for a rushing attack that averages better than 8 yards per carry. The Pirates’ backfield of junior FB Garrett Raulston (6-2, 225), senior RB Sawyer Kelley (5-10, 170) and sophomore RB Ronto Tipton (5-10, 165) has combined for more than 2,400 rushing yards. Defensively, the front seven of linemen Franklin Russell, Jabron Hale, Lawson and Blaine Pittman and LBs Raulston, Kelley and Mason Fuqua have been stingy this season. The Pirates have held eight opponents to seven points or less.