The run to a state championship game came up two points short as Greenville St. Joe picked up a 20-18 win over Carroll Academy Friday night in the semifinals of the MAIS Class 3A playoffs.
With the win, the Fighting Irish move on to play Indianola Academy in the state title game Friday at 3 p.m. at Jackson Academy. Carroll’s season ends at 10-3 overall.
“It was one heck of a game. I told you during the week not to sell us short. Our kids played their hearts out. I’ll give St. Joe credit. They turned to No. 2 (Dillon Johnson) in the second half. He’s one heck of a running back,” said Carroll head coach Bo Milton.
“We had some chances to score, but we just weren’t able to convert. It was a hard-fought game between two good teams. Our kids fought tooth and nail. We still believe we are the better team. We lost three games by a total of six points.”
Carroll led 12-0 after the first period, 18-8 at the half and 18-14 after the third.
Morgan Mims ended his career on football field with 99 yards on 24 carries. He completed 3 of 7 passes for 64 yards with one touchdown, and he also caught one TD pass from Logan Taylor of 39 yards. Taylor had the TD reception from Mims.
John Marc O’Cain had 46 yards on seven tries, and Lofton Holly had 29 yards on eight carries. Maddox Carpenter had five totes for 27 yards.
nContact Calvin Stevens at cstevens@gwcommonwealth.com.
