The Tallulah Academy Trojans are headed to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) state championship game in Jackson, Miss. after knocking off the Newton Academy Generals 52-30 in the semifinals Friday night in Tallulah.
The win over the Generals was the second for TA in the 2022 season after the Trojans defeated Newton Academy 52-22 on the road in October.
The Trojans found themselves tied with the Generals at 22-all at halftime of Friday's rematch, but pulled ahead when Henry Ellerbee took a short pass from quarterback Dee Morgan nearly 80 yards for the score. Running back Brayson Morson tacked on 2 on the ground and TA took a 30-22 lead.
The Trojans stayed aggressive following the score, recovering an onside kick and taking advantage of a personal foul against the Generals that left TA with a first down at Newton Academy's 15-yard line. Morgan found pay dirt on the ground and Morson again added 2 to give the Trojans a 38-22 lead.
After several big stops from TA's defense, the Trojans added to its lead with a score on the ground from Morson on the first play of the fourth quarter. Morgan added 2 on the ground to give TA a 46-22 advantage.
Late in the game, the Trojans silenced the Generals' sideline, capping off a long drive with another rushing score from Morgan.
The Generals were able to rally for a late-game score, but it was too little, too late, as the Trojans got a big win in its post-season rematch and punched its ticket to the state championship game Thursday at 3 p.m. at Jackson Academy.
The Trojans will face the Tunica Academy Blue Devils after its 64-44 defeat of the North Sunflower Academy Rebels Friday night.
For more on Friday's win, including additional photos from the semifinal matchup, pick up a copy of the Thurs., Nov. 17, edition of the Madison Journal.
