Cartersville was stunned in the second round by Blessed Trinity last year, and has followed a tremendous defense and gifted offense back to this winner-take-all rematch. Cartersville’s current senior class has seen the Purple Hurricanes win 55 games over the last four years, and the only loss during this span is last year’s 21-17 loss to Blessed Trinity. The opportunity to avenge that loss will be a fresh source of motivation as they line up against the Green and Gold on Wednesday. Cartersville’s current postseason run has put the Canes’ defensive talent on full display, and the team’s 17-14 win over Marist in the semis showed this dimension of their winning formula. When the War Eagles went up 14-10 before the half, the defense kept Marist scoreless for the remainder of the game, and allowed quarterback Tee Webb a chance to find Devonte Ross for the game-winning 37-yard touchdown pass with 7:51 left in the game.
Blessed Trinity is a win away from back-to-back state titles and the first undefeated season in program history. This year’s Titans are powered by the same star-studded Class of 2019 that led the school to its first state championship last season. Fast starts have been a signature of Blessed Trinity’s championship formula, and it has outscored its opponents 136-15 in that department during the first four rounds of this year’s playoffs. Quarterback Jake Smith is a proven leader that has accounted for 21 passing touchdown and just one interception this season. Running back Steele Chambers can transform the Titans into a power running team if need be, and took 36 carries in Blessed Trinity’s 51-35 win over Troup in the semifinals. In addition to his season-high 244 rushing yards in the Titans’ latest victory, Chambers accounted for three rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. All three of his pass attempts have resulted in touchdowns this season.
THE MATCHUP: Blessed Trinity’s knack for fast starts, and Cartersville’s topnotch defense will clash right away, and the rest of the game should be a tactical chess-like battle between two well-prepared, and experienced programs. Cartersville has a chance to resume its reign over Class AAAA and take home its third state title in the last four years. Blessed Trinity will be defending the first state title in its history, and is on the verge of completing the first undefeated season in school history. Expect an outstanding quarterback matchup between Blessed Trinity senior Jake Smith and Cartersville junior Tee Webb. Blessed Trinity has routinely been able to neutralize top passing offenses—as they did in the first half of their semifinal win over Troup.
