Middle School Football: Tucker in Saturday Playoffs

By Mark Brock

Four teams are left in the Trail to the Title Middle School Playoffs Championship and the final two will be decided on Saturday at Hallford Stadium.

A pair of undefeated teams clash in the opening game at 9 a.m. as Columbia (7-0) hosts Tucker (7-0) in a meeting of region champions.

Columbia, the Region 4 champion, advanced to its fourth semifinal appearance with a 22-8 win over Region 1 runner-up Champion. The Eagles have allowed just 22 points on the season while collecting four shutouts to get to the semifinals undefeated at 7-0.

Tucker rolled into the semifinals with a 70-0 victory over Redan last weekend. The win gave the Tigers defense its sixth consecutive shutout since allowing its only points of the season in a 14-12 win over Stephenson in the season opener. The Tucker offense has put up 426 points on the season.

Columbia is looking for a third championship game appearance while Tucker is going for its first ever appearance in the finale.

The second semifinal set for a 10:30 a.m. kickoff pits Region 4 champion Chapel Hill (7-0) against its rival Region 4 runner-up Miller Grove (6-1).

Chapel Hill has allowed just 14 points this season, eight of which came in a 14-8 victory over Miller Grove during the regular seasons. The tough defense has five shutouts on the season, including the 14-0 win over Cedar Grove in the first round last weekend. The offense has put up 240 points on the season.

Miller Grove denied four-time champion Stephenson its third consecutive semifinal appearance with a 22-0 shutout victory last Saturday. The
Wolverines despite the loss to Chapel Hill matched the Panthers with 240 points on offense and just 14 allowed on defense.

Miller Grove is making its first appearance in the semifinals since its 2010 championship season while Chapel Hill is looking to advance to its first championship game in its third semifinal appearance.

WEEK 9 – 10/26/13
Semifinals at Hallford Stadium
Game 5: Columbia (7-0) vs. Tucker (7-0), 9 a.m.
Game 6: Chapel Hill (7-0) vs. Miller Grove (6-1), 10:30 a.m.