Marshall advances to State finals

A come-from-behind win over Greenville Christian School Friday night at Heath Barnett Field has Marshall Academy packing for the semifinals of the Class 3A state football playoffs.

The Patriots, trailing 12-0 at the half, scored 28 straight points and held off the Saints down the stretch for a thrilling 28-26 victory. It avenged a 3421 loss to Greenville Christian in the first game of the regular season.

“They had two big plays in the first half and scored on both of them,” head coach Ben Durham. “The great news is we stopped them on two two-point conversions.

“At the half, we switched a few things up on defense, and we finally got to sit down with the offensive line and communicate how to fix things up.”

Three second-half interceptions, two by Jaden Walker and one by Savion McGhee, highlighted the strong defensive effort. Meanwhile, on offense, quarterback Carson Orman ran for a pair of touchdowns and passed for another to Devin Snow. Eli Gurley carried for the Patriots’ final touchdown with 3:00 left, giving the home team a 28-12 lead. Noah Olguin kicked four extra points, which proved to be crucial.

The Saints scored a pair of late touchdowns, one coming after a successful onside kick.

“We made a few mistakes to make it close, but I was proud of the kids,” said Durham, whose players hoisted him onto their shoulders after the final horn. “They kept fighting, and we won.

“It was a great environment for a quarter-final game. It was great to see the student section on the track, and the crowd was amazing. We appreciate the outstanding support.”

The fourth-seeded Patriots (9-3) travel to Richland Parish, La., about four and a half hours away, this Friday night to face top-seeded Riverfield Academy (9-2) in the final four. The other semi-final game pits Kirk Academy against Greenville St. Joe. The state championship game is Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. At Jackson Academy.