Playing on a wet field and in a steady rain throughout much of the game, Harding Academy was able to overcome the weather and a terrific performance by First Assembly’s Dane Wilson to defeat the Crusaders 13-6 Friday night.
Marlon Brown and Phillip Branch led the Lions balanced offense, each scoring touchdowns to help Harding advance to the Tennessee Division 2-A state championship game on November 25 in Murfreesboro.
The win also avenged an earlier loss to the Crusaders on October 17, a game the Lions literally gave away.
Harding QB Phillip Branch (10) Hands off to Marlon Brown (22) Against FACS
The poor weather conditions clearly had an effect as both teams weren’t able to produce sustained drives in a scoreless first quarter.
But midway through the second quarter FACS put together a scoring drive behind the running of Wilson and David Skinner. Wilson scored on a five-yard run with 6:41 left in the half to put the Crusaders up 6-0.
However, the extra-point attempt failed. Wilson rushed for 159 yards on 24 carries and Skinner finished with 76 yards on 12 carries for the Crusaders.
Harding answered later in the half when Brown scored on a six-yard run, tying the game at 6. But just as FACS couldn’t covert their extra-point attempt, the Lions missed their chance to take the lead when their PAT was blocked, leaving the game tied 6-6 at halftime.
Brown is among the nation’s most highly-regarded prep prospects, being pursued by Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Ohio State.
Harding's Defense Stifled the Crusaders in the Second Half
But at the start of the third quarter it was Branch that became the star for Harding. Starting at their 40, Branch ran for 19 yards on the first play of the possession and followed that with a thrilling 41-yard touchdown run that put the Lions up 13-6.
Branch finished with 63 yards on seven carries and threw for 128 yards, completing 10-of-18 passes and two interceptions. Harding’s offense gained 325 total yards against the Crusaders.
From there, Harding’s defense put the clamps on the Crusaders offense, limiting them to only 97 yards in the second half. FACS gained 177 yards in the first half, almost entirely on the ground.
FACS (9-3) never seriously threatened to score throughout the half but were driving as time was running out in the fourth quarter.
The Crusaders reached the Harding 47-yard line with 1:39 remaining, but Harding’s defense stepped up when defensive back Tyler Stanford picked off a pass by FACS quarterback Andrew Brimhall.
Harding (9-2) ran out the clock to advance to their first Division 2-A state title game, with Brown carrying the ball twice. He finished with 72 yards on nine carries.
The Lions will face a familiar foe for the Division 2-A championship when they face Davidson Academy (9-2). Harding beat the Bears earlier this season 35-27 on October 3.
Since the loss, Davidson (9-2) has reeled off five straight wins, including a 37-20 victory over SBEC Friday night in the other Division 2-A semi-final.
