Oakland’s ground game proved decisive, outgaining Maryville 209 yards to 58, while adding 157 yards through the air. Senior running back Daune Morris led the charge with 21 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his playoff total to 11 scores. Junior Craig Tutt, a Class 6A Mr. Football Finalist, contributed significantly with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown plus 132 receiving yards.

The Patriots and Rebels have faced off in the semifinals 10 times over the past 11 years, with Oakland claiming six wins, including the last four straight. Under head coach Kevin Creasy, who became the Patriots coach in 2015, Oakland has won four state titles and seven in school history. This season marks their fifth consecutive state championship appearance and their seventh in the last decade.

Next, the Patriots will take on the defending Class 6A state champions, the Houston Mustangs, in Chattanooga on Saturday. Oakland will look to avenge last year’s 24-9 championship loss, played in a torrential downpour. WGNS will provide live coverage of the Blue Cross Bowl, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (Murfreesboro time), with kickoff set for 6 p.m.