Head Coach Tim Starkey bows to the Marion County fans who attended the game on Saturday.
The Marion County Warriors celebrated a triumphant afternoon on Saturday, adding a fifth state football championship to the school’s trophy case after a 17-7 win over Milan. This is the Warriors’ first state title since 1995.
The game began with a pivotal moment as Marion’s defensive back, Luke Tipton, intercepted a pass on the second snap, returning it 54 yards to the Milan 19-yard line. The Warriors (13-2) quickly capitalized on the opportunity, with Sam Pickett showcasing his athleticism. He took a play designed to go left, cut back when the hole closed, and sprinted into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown.
Marion County extended their lead shortly after that on their third possession. Pickett, racing past single coverage, caught a pass from Tilton Pickett near midfield and pulled away from defenders for an impressive 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Warriors secured their victory with a 21-yard field goal, solidifying their dominance throughout the game.
The Warriors’ defense was instrumental in their success, limiting Milan to an average of just 2.5 yards per play in the second half. Milan struggled to maintain possession, turning the ball over on downs three times, punting twice, and throwing an interception in the end zone during the final minute of play.
Sam Pickett’s exceptional performance earned him the BlueCross Bowl Class 2A MVP. He concluded the game with 146 total yards, two touchdowns, and four tackles, playing a crucial role in the Warriors’ championship victory.
In a thrilling matchup at Finley Stadium, the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) overcame the South Pittsburg Pirates with a strong second-half performance, securing a 36-14 victory and denying the Pirates’ quest for a repeat as TSSAA Class 1A state champions on Friday.
The first half ended in a 14-14 tie. However, the Phoenix surged ahead after halftime, ultimately sealing their victory.
Dayon Cooper was a standout player for South Pittsburg, racking up 187 rushing yards on 22 carries while also throwing for 55 yards. He accounted for both of the Pirates’ touchdowns in the contest.
This game marked South Pittsburg’s 15th appearance in a state championship game. The team has a storied history, boasting seven state titles and eight runner-up finishes.
Despite facing a challenging season with only four seniors on the roster, the Pirates returned to the state championship. They showcased their resilience and determination after losing 18 seniors from the 2023 team.
Both championship games were heard on The River 104.9/AM 910.
