Playoff Recaps for November 23

4A Semifinals

Covington 34 Liberty 14

The Chargers tend to be thought of as a one dimensional team as they run the Wing-T offense. But they showed the Crusaders and the rest of the state that if you concentrate too much on stopping the run, you will get burned with the pass. JR QB T.A. Watson was 4-7 passing for 183 yds and TD's of 85 and 73 as the Chargers stayed unbeaten and advanced to next week's 4A state title game in Cookeville. Covington rolled up 466 yds of total offense on the night as Mr. Football finalist Johnston White totaled 184 yds rushing of his own including an 83 yd TD run on the first offensive play of the game. Carlos Williams had a 43 yd TD run to go with his 2 receptions for 89 yds and a score while Tyrone Tipton caught 2 passes for 94 yds and a TD as well. Covington will take on Knoxville Fulton at 3 pm on Saturday, December 1 at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville for the 4A state championship.

Here is a link to the game story from the Commercial Appeal:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/nov/23/covington-tops-liberty-tech-for-berth-in-4a-game/


6A
Semifinals

Whitehaven 41 Mt. Juliet 35

The Tigers are returning to the 6A state title game for the second year in a row but it definitely wasn't as easy as last year. The game started off like it was going to be smooth sailing for the Tigers as they went 80 yds in 4 plays on the opening possession of the game. Mr. Football finalist Mark Dodson had all 4 carries on the drive including a 55 yarder that gave him the all time Shelby Metro single season rushing record. Dodson was again spectacular as he finished with 304 yds rushing on the night on just 22 carries and TD's of 5,6,56 and 88 yds with SR FB Brandon Phillips leading the way with some bone crushing blocks. But the Tigers didn't have to solely rely on Dodson to provide the offensive spark. SR QB Patrick Smith is going to make some college coach look very smart on the next level. Smith had 96 yds rushing on 11 carries and a TD and was 7-10 passing for 104 yds and a TD. Smith showed great arm strength and touch and whether it was a designed run or scrambling out of the pocket, he made multiple Mt. Juliet defenders miss. His 50 yd TD pass to SR WR Gerald Perry was a thing of beauty as he put it right where it was supposed to be and Perry made a highlight reel catch. Whitehaven will play Maryville in the 6A state title game for the second consecutive year. The game will be at 7 pm on Saturday, December 1 at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.

Here is a link to the game story by the Commercial Appeal:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/nov/23/dodson-leads-whitehaven-into-6a-championship/