The Oakland Patriots started strong and fought off a third quarter comeback to defeat Bradley Central 38-17 to advance to the 6A Blue Cross Bowl. The Pats led 17-3 at halftime, but the Bears roared back with two third quarter touchdowns to tie the game. But an interception with around eight minutes to play by Bradley Central set up Oakland's go ahead touchdown.

Mr. Football finalist Daune Morris had 31-carries for 171-yards and four touchdowns, three coming in the fourth quarter for the Patriots. Their defense held the Bears' Mr. Football finalist Boo Carter to just four yards receiving and 27-rushing. Craig Tutt, Bronson Crisp and Kyrie Gainor all had interceptions for the Oakland defense.

Next up for Oakland will be Houston from the Memphis area in the Blue Cross Bowl. It will be held at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga Saturday, December 2nd at 7pm (6pm Murfreesboro time). You'll be able to hear the game on WGNS beginning with the pregame at 5:30pm. You can listen back to the semifinal win on our podcast or watch the video podcast below.

This is Oakland's fourth straight state championship appearance and sixth in the last eight years. The Patriots have won the state title the last three years.

Middle Tennessee Christian School will take on Friendship Christian on Thursday afternoon in the Division II Class Single A Championship game. It will also be at Chattanooga's Findley Stadium. Kickoff is at 3pm (2pm Murfreesboro time). WGNS will have coverage of that game as well beginning at 1:30pm pregame.

Video Podcast of Oakland at Bradley Central on Big G TV (this game was not broadcast live)