KNOXVILLE — Despite being unranked in the final Associated Press high school football poll of the season on Oct. 30, Walker Valley ended a record-setting season as one of the final four teams in the TSSAA Class 5A playoffs on Thanksgiving weekend.
An 11-win season for the Mustangs came to a close Friday night at the home of the reigning state champions, where a dominant defensive front helped dictate a 38-3 semifinal victory for Knoxville West (13-1). Next Friday, the Rebels will take on Page (13-1) with the 5A title on the line in the BlueCross Bowl at 7 p.m. at Chattanooga’s Finley Stadium.
The Mustangs, meanwhile, can reflect on setting a program record for wins and losing just twice during a season when the highlights included the Region 4-5A title.
“Early in the year, I was quietly telling people that we have a chance to be really good,” Walker Valley coach Drew Akins said. “I didn’t know if that meant we were going to finish second in the region and win a couple playoff games or what, though. I am so thankful really good meant we were going to be in the semifinals, host multiple playoff games and win the region championship.
(READ MORE: Final scores and photos from Friday night’s Chattanooga-area prep football playoffs)