The Magee Trojans will be playing in the 3A State Championship after a 14-6 win over the Columbia Wildcats.
The Trojans were in for a battle last Friday against the Wildcats in what is becoming a budding rivalry. The Wildcats ended the Trojans’ season last year in the third round of the playoffs, and the team was looking forward to some measure of revenge.
Both teams were well prepared for an intense low scoring defensive battle that became a close contest through three quarters. The Trojans were finally able to gain some separation and win the game, thanks to a Chandler Pittman touchdown pass to Xavier Franks.
Defensively the Trojans played outstanding, only allowing 6 points. The defense has been phenomenal throughout this playoff run and has only allowed 16 points in the last four games. Jameyian Spencer led the Trojans in tackles with 13, followed by Tylan Benson and Cameron Floyd, who each notched 10 tackles. The Trojans were suffocating defensively, and on the rare occasion when the Wildcats were in position to score the Trojans lived up to the “bend don’t break” philosophy and made stops.
On a night where offense was at a premium, there was no surprise that Chandler Pittman and Zay Franks led the way. Pittman was effective running the ball to the tune of 22 carries for 138 yards to lead all rushers. Jawon Shaw had 10 carries for 40 yards. Franks led all receivers with five receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. When the Trojans needed every point, Gavyn Chaffin was perfect on extra point attempts.
The Trojans rightfully celebrated their huge accomplishment of being named South State Champions after the final horn but have quickly refocused for the final game of the season, the 3A State Championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson this Friday beginning at 11 a.m.
