The Oakland High School Patriots (13-0) are hitting the road to Chattanooga, Tennessee for the TSSAA 6A BlueCross Bowl state championship game against the Ravenwood High School Raptors (13-0).
Oakland is looking for its second straight state championship, and fifth in the last six years under head coach Kevin Creasy. The Patriots have won 20 straight games, with their last loss coming on Oct. 21, 2024, against Ravenwood, 33-32 in overtime.
Both teams are laden with Division I talent, as Oakland is anchored by Ole Miss signee Craig Tutt and Tennessee signee Joel Wyatt. The Raptors are anchored by a pair of Division I quarterbacks, as starter Femi Babaola (Boston College) and Maverick Chance (Navy) both take snaps as the team’s quarterback.
Ravenwood has been nationally recognized by The Athletic for its two-quarterback system, as Babaola and Chance have been trading out playing quarterback each drive since elementary school. Babaola, who stands 6-foot-3, is more of a traditional passer compared to Chance, playing a more versatile role while utilizing his legs.
The Patriots have also utilized a two-quarterback system as well, with Kam Morton and Donte Cameron splitting reps this season. Morton seemed to have the edge as the starter at the beginning of the year, but Cameron stepped into the limelight during the playoffs.
Cameron made the start in Oakland’s last two games, leading to wins over Blackman and Green Hill.
Tutt has been a major contributor for the Patriots, especially during the team’s last two playoff runs. In last year’s BlueCross Bowl win, the senior running back/ safety totaled 110 all-purpose yards and one score on the way to being named BlueCross Bowl MVP.
(Ephraim Rodenbach)
More recently, Tutt scored four touchdowns in Oakland’s rout of Rutherford County rival Blackman in last week’s semifinal matchup.
Ravenwood comes into the matchup with 14 straight wins, including a Region 6A-6 championship. The Raptors’ road through the playoffs has included wins over Cane Ridge High School, Houston High School, White Haven High School and Southwind High School.
The Patriots season included a Region 6A-3 championship, with wins over Rutherford County rivals Riverdale and Siegel. Oakland’s playoff bracket has brought wins against Cookeville, Bradley Central and Green Hill before the semifinal win against Blackman.
Where to watch
The 501st and final game of the Tennessee 6A high school season will kickoff at 6 CDT at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The game will be broadcast on NFHS network.
Staff picks
Willie Phaler, Lead sports reporter
Oakland 38, Ravenwood 28, MVP: Craig Tutt
Brett Walker, Co-sports editor
Oakland 35, Ravenwood 28, MVP: Craig Tutt
Jacob Burgess, Co-sports editor
Ravenwood 38, Oakland 35 MVP: Maverick Chance
Will Phillips, Reporter
Oakland 28, Ravenwood 14, MVP: Craig Tutt
Dylan Simmons, Graduate assistant
Oakland 38, Ravenwood 21, MVP: Donte Cameron
To contact the Sports editor, email [email protected].
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