The South Pittsburg completed an incredible season on Friday afternoon in Chattanooga as they defeated McKenzie for their seventh state championship.
The game was tied at zero until the Rebels capitalized on a Pirate turnover in the third quarter to take a 7-0 lead.
As South Pittsburg was about to score a game-tying touchdown, star quarterback Kamden Wellington, who was playing on an injured ankle, was hurt again on the first play of the fourth. It was also learned in the post-game that the outstanding player suffered a broken thumb during the third quarter, “according to Head Coach Wes Stone.”
South Pittsburg senior Jamarion Farrior took over for Wellington and ran in the game-tying TD. The senior carried the ball the final 11 plays for the Pirates for 62 yards, including a game-winning touchdown run. He totaled 160 yards on 29 carries plus seven tackles on defense and was named BlueCross Bowl MVP.
With the 14-7 win, the Pirates finished the 2023 season at 15-0. South Pitt has now won TSSAA state championships in 1969, 1994, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2021, and 2023, improving to 7-7 all-time in state finals.