Quarterfinals Mixed Bag For Several UC Teams

Quarterfinals Friday night were played on fields across the state and we went from eight teams in each classification, to four, or in some cases, even down to two and knowing our state title match ups.

It was a mixed bag for many of the teams from across the UC, involving eliminating each other in some cases.

Macon @ Upperman- Turnovers. Like so many games at the high school level it comes back to turnovers. Macon is a rushing attack, potent the likes we don’t see to often. Easy to be successful on the ground, or truly in any facet, when Gabe Borders is involved. However, even Borders cannot make up for two lost fumbles. Despite Upperman have more penalty yards, going 6 for 17 on 3rd and 4th down, and allowing Macon to go 8 for 11 in the same category, the Bees still walked away with a 17-14 win thanks to the two turnovers.

York @ Hampton- The Dragons are the best team in 2A at the right time. 56-13 after traveling three plus hours across the timeline and playing an opponent in Hampton that just a few years ago played for a state title, and has played multiple games into the playoffs every year since 2018; they’re very well coached and talented. Yet again York scores 40 plus points, and hold an opponent under 17. Next week against East Robertson promises to be a game they may need to build another parking lot for.

East Robertson vs. Smith County- York’s opponent next week also made quick work of their quarterfinal match up. 49-20 they rolled and we may be seeing two of the better offenses in the state, regardless of classification next Friday night. Smith County was 10-2 entering the game, their only losses were to Macon and Upperman, two other quarterfinal participants. Not to mention, the most points they had given up all year was 28, in week three. East Robertson avenged their loss to Smith from September, and has since that loss failed to score more than 35 just twice.

South Pitt hosts Gordonsville- The Pirates are going to win a state title. No if, and, or buts about it at this point. The last time they didn’t score 40 plus was in September, they are undefeated, they have allowed more than 7 points in a game only twice all season. Just not much to say, Gordonsville was able to go into the Pitt last year and win, this year, not the same story.