By David Jackson/Forever Communications
Chattanooga, Tenn.–The McKenzie Rebels’ Cinderella season ended in the Blue Cross State Championship for Class 1A Friday afternoon at UT Chattanooga’s Finley stadium as they fell short of a victory by 4 points with a final score of 24 to 21.
The opponent South Pittsburgh came away victorious capitalizing on two steals of the football and scoring both times. McKenzie opened up a 14 to 0 lead following a 48 yard touchdown pass and catch from Jackson Cassidy to Zavier Webber and capitalizing on a McKenzie interception capped off by a 40 yard touchdown run by Marquez Taylor. Pitt’s DeAndre Kelly would run for a 19 yard td to trail McKenzie at half time 14-7.
Pitt would tie things up 14 to 14 in the third quarter and at the 7:53 mark would Kelly would run for a go aheadtouchdown. 21 to 14. The Pirates would add a field goal and lead 24 to 14 with 3:01 to go in the game.
McKenzie wouldn’t say die though as Cassidy once again would connect with Zach Aird for a touchdown and cut the lead to 24 to 21. An attempted onside kick would fail and Pitt would hold on for the victory.
Congratulations go out to all the Rebel players and coaches for a great season and though they may be disappointed at bringing home a “Silver Ball” they have much to be proud of for the magical year they allowed us all to enjoy.
WHDM thanks all the great sponsors that allowed us to bring McKenzie Rebel football on the airwaves and streamed live over radionwtn.com.