MARION COUNTY 35, AUSTIN-EAST 21
The star: Jacob Saylors ran 17 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns for Marion County. He also interecepted two passes, including a late one sealing the victory.Up next: Marion County will play in the state final at Cookeville next Saturday at noon EST against Trezevant, which beat Waverly Central 34-26.
JASPER, Tenn. – Friday’s TSSAA Class 2A football semifinal at Marion County was almost like the fable about the tortoise and the hare. Only this time the hare won.
Marion County raced to a five-touchdown lead in the first half, leading to a running clock to start the second half. Austin-East, however, mounted a comeback, but time ran out on the Roadrunners and their season and the Warriors came away with a 35-21 victory.
Marion County (13-1) advances to the state-championship game for the third consecutive year. The Warriors will play Trezevant in a rematch of last year’s final that the Warriors lost 40-35.
“The kids in that locker room are excited,” Marion County coach Joey Mathis said. “I’m happy for this community. The coaching staff couldn’t have put together a better game plan.”