Two Local Teams Win State Tittle at Local Blue Cross Bowl

The McCallie Blue Tornado and the South Pittsburgh Pirates both secured hardware this weekend at the TSSAA state championships games hosted at Finley Stadium.

McCallie faced off against Montgomery Bell Academy out of West Nashville for the final game of the night one slate. In September, MBA nearly shattered McCallie’s perfect season with a close 34-31 game.

This state championship matchup quite the different story as the Blue Tornado held MBA to only 215-yards. McCallie’s William Riddle threw for 172 yards, most to Xavier Gaillardetz who finished the game with five catches for 117 yards.

McCallie handedly took down MBA, 28-7, completing a third straight division 2-AAA tittle run.

That just might do it folks… @McCallieFB looking for its 3rd straight State Title.

MBA 7️⃣
Blue Tornado 2️⃣8️⃣
7mins l 4Q pic.twitter.com/ltkh2GVCCo

— ESPN Chattanooga Scores (@ESPNChattScores) December 3, 2021

South Pittsburgh looked to secure a championship in their own backyard against McKenzie, a formidable North-West Tennessee program.

Things were not looking good for the Pirates early on as they struggled throwing the ball, at one point leading to an interception resulting in a touchdown just moments later. Down 14-0 midway through the second quarter, it was time for some changes.

Hold the phone. South Pitt is right back in this thing @SPHSPIRATES

McKenzie: 14
South Pitt: 7
8:31 l 2Q pic.twitter.com/PUDZ6SWIMQ

— ESPN Chattanooga Scores (@ESPNChattScores) December 3, 2021

The rush attack became more of a critical focus which McKenzie struggled to have an answer for. Additionally, the South Pitt defense clamped down on the McKenzie backfield and was able to secure a major turnover that sent the Pirates up two scores late in the fourth.

Despite a late resurgence by McKenzie, the Pirates held on for a 24-21 victory–securing their first state championship in 11 years.

SOUTH PITTSBURGH TAKES IT!

Final Score:

South Pitt- 24
McKenzie- 21 pic.twitter.com/ecF2Rg2kH0

— ESPN Chattanooga Scores (@ESPNChattScores) December 3, 2021

This championship run comes on the heels of a tumultuous season for the Pirates as Chris Jones, best known for his efforts in the CFL, left the team just after calling the head coaching position his “dream job”.

Outside of the local matchups, fans in Finley were treated to a diverse slate of matchups across the state. All final scores can be found below.