CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — West High School thrillingly won back-to-back 5A state championships, beating Page 24-19 at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga on Friday night.
The Rebels fell behind 7-0 to start the game, but turned the momentum around in the second quarter. Marshaun Bowers tied the game on a one-yard rushing touchdown to make it 7-7 with 6:54 left in the half.
They took the lead on a field goal from Patrick Schmid with 2:45 to go.
Right before halftime Hunter Dance threw an interception, but Antwain Burdine stripped the ball from the Page defensive back to give West the ball back. It paid off big. As time expired in the half, Dance threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Connor Cummings for a 17-7 lead.
In the third quarter, West extended the lead again. Dance and Cummings connected again on a 27-yard pass and catch for a 24-7 lead.
Page came back through. Down 24-7, they scored back-to-back touchdowns, but missed an extra point and couldn't execute on a two-point conversion. West led 24-19 with 9:22 left in the fourth quarter.
Page came up with a third interception after making it 24-19. Page started the drive on West's 20-yard line. However, the Rebels got a stop on fourth and goal and got the ball back coming away unscathed,
They went three and out though and Page got the ball back. With 46 seconds to go, they were set up for a first ad goal. But once again, the West defense came up with a stop and this time as time expired.
On a third and goal as time ran out, Anterius Mcalister defended a pass in the endzone that fell incomplete. West won 24-19.
Syxx Hoard had three interceptions in the game and was named BlueCross Bowl Most Valuable Player.
This marks the third state title in program history for West. The first title came back in 2014.