Class A Lower State Final Preview
A year ago, the Cross Trojans won just two games. Now, they’re one victory away from a trip to the 1A state championship. But a daunting trip to Johnsonville stands between the Trojans and a Lower State title. Let’s dig…
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Continue ReadingA year ago, the Cross Trojans won just two games. Now, they’re one victory away from a trip to the 1A state championship. But a daunting trip to Johnsonville stands between the Trojans and a Lower State title. Let’s dig into what should be a terrific battle on Friday night.
Cross rolled past Estill on the road thanks to a brilliant game from running back Carmello Montgomery, and the Trojans will look to establish the run game with his quickness against a stout Johnsonville defense that has allowed just 28 combined points in its last six games. Montgomery’s agility and acceleration will present a test for the Flashes’ strong defensive line. Santory Jones has also been a sparkplug for the Trojans, racking up over 1500 rushing yards on the season and averaging over nine yards per carry. Cross won’t throw it much, but Jamez Way is a solid target with plus athleticism at 6-foot-2 who can use his motor and strength to rack up yards after the catch and make tacklers miss. Malik Shippy Malik Shippy 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Johnsonville | 2024 State SC has turned into a strong leader under center for the Flashes, and he’ll look to get it to versatile back Daquan Burroughs with exceptional quickness and athleticism.
But Johnsonville’s strength is on defense, and the Flashes have been even better in the postseason. Ken Cribb’s defense has been led by Burroughs and Alontre Pressley who has shined at corner. It’s a group of tenacious players who will clean up quickly on tackles and find a way to force key turnovers. Cross’ defense is led by veteran linebacker Damion Haines who has shined as a leader over his senior year with his explosiveness and vision. Karmello Jones has become a breakout star as a sophomore next to Haines with 79 tackles in 13 games alongside a whopping 12 sacks. Expect to see Jones working to create pressure on Shippy and disrupt his rhythm. Way has quietly been a force in the secondary in addition to his receiving prowess, grabbing four interceptions so far on the season and dominating his matchups in coverage with his height and quickness.
We should be in for a tight and thrilling battle on Friday night with a spot in the state final on the line. Johnsonville is the more complete team, but stopping Montgomery and the Trojans will be much easier said than done. The offense that controls the ball and avoids key mistakes should have the upper hand in punching its ticket to Benedict College for next weekend.