We have two terrific playoff games this week. First is the MAIS 6A Championship to be played at Mississippi College between Hartfield Academy and the Madison Ridgeland Academy. The second is a huge match-up in the MHSAA 6A second round as Madison Central takes on Oxford.
Here’s a closer look at both of these games:
MAIS 6A Championship
#2 Hartfield Academy (9-2) vs
#1 MRA (10-3)
Madison Ridgeland Academy is looking to pull off an MAIS three-peat. The Patriots can bring home a third straight state championship and fifth in program history on Saturday at Mississippi College. Hartfield Academy is playing in its first title game
MRA beat Jackson Academy 52-14 in the semi-finals last week. The Raiders kept it close at halftime, trailing 24-14, but the Patriots score 28 unanswered in the second half to put the game away. Patriots quarterback John White was a very efficient 20-33 for 260 yards and three touchdowns. MRA used a trio of running backs to post 179 total yards. Tylor Latham led the way with 91 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown, JJ Latham posted 61 yards and a touchdown, and Quincy Phillips contributed 53 yards and a touchdown. All told MRA outgained JA 439 yards to 347.
Meanwhile Hartfield used a great defensive performance to beat Jackson Prep 17-13 in the other semi-final. It was a classic playoff game as the two teams went toe to toe in the first half, both scoring 10 points. Prep kicked a field goal in the third quarter and held that three point lead into the fourth quarter. The Hawks responded with a late touchdown and completed the season sweep of Prep to advance into the Championship Game.
This will be the second meeting between the Hawks and the Patriots in 2021. MRA beat Hartfield 45-23 in the regular season finale back on October 29. In that game the Patriots dominated on both sides of the ball racking up 493 yards of total offense while holding the Hawks to just 148. It’s important to note that Hartfield did not having starting quartback Cruz Garner as he had to sit out the final contest with a shoulder injury. Garner is back this week and provides Hartfield a solid dual threat of the run and pass, something they obviously did not have when these two teams met two three weeks ago.
MRA leads the all-time series 5-0 against Hartfield and none have really been close as the M-Pats have outscored the Hawks 223-61 in those five games.
MHSAA 6A Second Round
Oxford (8-4) at Madison Central (10-1)
The Jaguars, at 10-1, are one of the hottest teams in the state. They have stubbed their paw just once this season, an early region contest to top seeded Starkville. In the first round of the playoffs last week, Madison destroyed Desoto Central 42-7.
Oxford, on the other hand, comes into this game after a shocking upset in the first round last week. The Chargers went on the road, into the Tiger’s lair of South Panola, and walked out with a 35-28 win.
Madison Central whipped Oxford 48-7 in the last game of the regular season. The Jaguar defense was so well prepared for the multiple formations and misdirection that the Chargers could get absolutely nothing going. The result of that game looms large as Madison Central not only earned the number two seed in the region and a first round home game, but will host this contest again.
Junior quarterback Vic Sutton was quite literally perfect in that first meeting with the Chargers completing all six of his pass attempts for 126 yards and a touchdown. Sutton also ran the ball three times for 69 yards and a score. Senior running back Robert Dumas was scintillating as he ran for 140 yards on 21 carries and scored four touchdowns.
Madison has so many weapons offensive weapons that are firing on all cylinders right now. Between junior running back De’andre Pullen who is a great complement to Dumas, junior receiver Isiah Spencer and senior tight end Blake Gunter, Sutton can find success no matter which way he turns.
Keys to Victory:
On offense: For Hartfield, Cruz Garner can hopefully hit a few big plays with his arm early to back the great linebackers of MRA off the line. Getting running back Xavier Davis involved will be critical for ball control.
For MRA, don’t take the Hawks defense for granted. They are chippy. Take what they give you and let your receivers Davis Dalton and Street Toler make the big run after the catch as they’ve done all year long.
On defense: For Hartfield, again bend but try not to break. The key is to limit the big plays and long touchdowns. Make the Patriots earn their scores.
For MRA, keep the pressure on Garner. If you can make Hartfield one dimensional it will be hard for the Hawks to keep up on the scoreboard.
MCHS' Keys to Victory:
On offense: On offense: Keep spreading the ball around. Vic Sutton has been smart and efficient. Don’t force the ball and let your playmakers do what they do.
On defense: On defense, remember what allowed you to dominate the regular season meeting. The Jaguar linebackers and secondary were very disciplined and didn’t bite on misdirection. They should be up to the task again. as should play well.
