By Amber Pennycuff
The Ensworth Tigers have pounced their way to the top this week, making it all the way to the Division II, Class AA State Championship game. The Tigers will take on Memphis University School in the head-to-head match-up for the title.
Ensworth has managed to come out 10-1, holding its one loss to Brentwood Academy to complete the season. However, the Tigers clawed their way through the second match-up with the Eagles and took a 21-12 win, rolling into the championship game.
This school is known for its legendary influences in the middle Tennessee football community, and even throughout the United States. Players like Kevin McDermott have gone off to play in the NFL and SEC stand-outs like Corey Batey have come from this prestigious program.
Ironically enough, the Tigers took the state title from the Owls last year and finished off the season undefeated. Memphis may be looking to take a win back this year.
Ensworth has taken the title in 2010, 2011, and 2012, giving them confidence is what will carry them through this tough match-up.
The Tigers have scored about an average of 34-points against opponents and only allowed about 15-points from the other side.
Out of eleven games, the Tigers only allowed its opponents to score more than 20-points in a match-up three times, including its one loss. The eight remaining opponents never even saw over 15-points on the board.
During the regular season, Ensworth did not see MUS, but Brentwood Academy did.
The Eagles took a big 36-7 win at the beginning of the season. However, being at the beginning, the Owls record improved. MUS only lost one other game to Pulaski Academy in Arkansas and even stole a win from the feared MBA in the Semifinals, 23-17.
If you recall the rivaled Ensworth and MBA match-up earlier in the season, the Tigers took an even bigger win, 35-21.
The Tigers also house a team of elite players that will be a big influence in this play-off game.
Senior and running back D’Andre Ferby has been getting some big looks from schools like Western Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Recently, Ferby took home the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award for Division II-Class AA Back. Also, defensive tackle Michael Sawyers committed to Vandy in July, after receiving offers from schools such as Florida State, Arizona State, and Georgia Tech. Alongside these young men, are a fighting team, who have continued to make their mark each match-up.
On the other side of the field, MUS will be sporting players like heavily recruited, wide receiver Devin Perry, and a fight to win back the state title
The Tigers will kick-off at Tennessee Tech University to take on the Owls at 7 p.m. Thursday night.
For more information on the match-up, visit TSSAA.org.
The Williamson Source will be keeping you updated on Ensworth through the ‘Twitter-sphere’. Follow us at @WilliamsonSrc for your latest sports and information updates.
Photo above by John Pratt
Please join our FREE Newsletter
