CLEVELAND, Tenn — Friday night’s TSSAA Class 6A semifinal football game at Bradley Central High School had more twists and turns than the infamous Cannonball at Lake Winnepesaukah.
The host Bears trailed 17-3 at halftime to three-time reigning state champion Murfreesboro Oakland, then rallied to tie the game in a dominating third quarter — only to see the visitors score the final 21 points for a 38-17 win by the Patriots.
Oakland (11-3) will face Houston (12-2) for the title in the BlueCross Bowl at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Finley Stadium. Houston defeated previously unbeaten Brentwood 28-0 in the other 6A semifinal.
Top-ranked Bradley’s season ends at 13-1.
(READ MORE: Final scores and photos from Friday night’s Chattanooga-area prep football playoffs)