CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) -- Despite losing the turnover battle in their second straight state tournament game, Baylor out-slugged Christian Brothers High School to advance to their second straight TSSAA DII-AA State Championship Game.
The Red Raiders earn a rematch with rival Ensworth in Cookeville on Thursday, December 1 in Cookeville. The Tigers, who beat Baylor in last year's state final, routed MUS 28-0 in Friday's other semifinal.
Baylor (11-1) fumbled early in it's own red zone leading to a Purple Wave 7-0 first quarter lead. That was the last lead Christian Brothers would have.
Baylor quarterback Matthew Oellerich connected with Ryan Seaberg to tie it at seven, and then Nic Bullard returned an interception for a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead.
But the Purple Wave would send it to the half tied at 14. Grant Powell hit the speedy Anthony Miller on a five yard slant that went for a 75-yard score.
Oellerich would strike twice in the third quarter with a 35 yard touchdown pass to Deosha McColley, then a 38-yarder to a wide open Reggie Upshaw to make the score 28-14.
Christian Brothers would pull with seven again midway through the fourth, but Baylor would answer off the foot of Henrique Ribeiro to take a 31-21 lead.
That kick would prove to be important as the Purple Wave would score one final touchdown.
