BRENTWOOD ACADEMY 24, BAYLOR 7
The star: Jeremiah Oatsvall ran for 204 yards and passed for 113 in BA’s semifinal win.Up next: Brentwood Academy will face Nashville rival MBA for the Division II-AA state title.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – After a fast start in the first quarter for Brentwood Academy, not much went right offensively for the remaining three frames against visiting Baylor in the Division II-AA semifinals.
The Eagles found just enough when they needed it the most.
A touchdown run by Baylor senior quarterback Wil Adams trimmed the Brentwood Academy lead to 10 points late in the third quarter, but Eagles senior running back Prince Momodu ripped off a 50-yard run to start the fourth quarter and set up a 23-yard touchdown run by Jeremiah Oatsvall, giving the Eagles a 24-7 win over the Red Raiders at Carlton Flatt Field.
“That was definitely the biggest play of the game for us with giving us the momentum back after they scored,” said Brentwood Academy coach Cody White.
“Our defense played especially well, and we’ve played well all year on that side as we’ve had the best defense in our league statistically.”
The win sets up a meeting in the championship game against crosstown rival Montgomery Bell Academy, which defeated Christian Brothers 35-14. Brentwood Academy defeated MBA 48-14 back on Oct. 9.
The Eagles last won a state title in 2006.
“It’s a great feeling to know that we’re playing in the championship game, and especially against a team that’s been our rivals for a long time,” said senior linebacker James DiPasquale, who had two sacks and a fumble recovery.
“I’m so proud of the team, and how we were able to beat a good Baylor team tonight.”
Brentwood Academy (11-1) raced out to a 17-0 lead after the first quarter with Oatsvall doing most of the damage. The junior quarterback finished with 204 yards rushing on the ground and 113 through the air.
Oatsvall scored on two 1-yard touchdown runs, and a 28-yard field goal by Isaac Way gave the Eagles the early advantage, but their defense had trouble getting off the field against Baylor.
Adams picked up 215 yards in the contest to go along with the Red Raiders touchdown.
“We felt that with what we saw on film against them that we could run the ball effectively with the way they lined up to our two-tight-end packages,” Adams said.
“We got down but we fought hard and never gave up.”
Added Baylor coach Phil Massey: “I told the guys how proud I am of them, but no words would be able to take the sting out of what they’re feeling. We’ve accomplished a lot, and give credit to Brentwood Academy because they’re a really good team.”