By Thomas Sellers Jr.
MEMPHIS — The Millington Trojans will be the No. 3 seed from their Region. Chris Michaels and his Trojans traveled Raleigh-Egypt Stadium to take on the host Craigmont Chiefs with third-place on the line. Millington fell behind 8-0 early, but scored 21 unanswered to take the contest 21-8. The victory set up a likely match between the Trojans and No. 2 seeded Hardin County out of the opposing Region. The Tigers finished the season 9-1 with the only defeat coming to Region foe Jackson North Side 29-27 earlier this season. Craigmont (1-9, 1-3) will travel to Jackson North Side to start the Class 4A State Playoffs. The Chiefs appeared to be heading to Hardin County taking an 8-0 lead over Millington Friday night. Chief Brandon Fields gave Craigmont the second-quarter advantage scoring on a short run. He added the two-points to make the score 8-0 with 8 minutes and 36 seconds left in the first half. It didn’t take Millington long to response. On the Trojans’ next play from scrimmage, Eldon Tyms dropped back and hit his favorite target Kip Fleming. The senior speedster did the rest breaking loose for a 74-yard TD reception to make the score 8-7. At the 4:23 mark, the Trojans took the lead when Tyms scored on a 4-yard run. The Trojan signal caller set up his own TD run connecting with Greg Smith on a big pass play into Chief territory. Millington was ahead 14-8 at the break. Millington (3-7, 2-2) added to its lead early in the third quarter when the combo of Tyms to Smith hooked up one more time. This time the duo combined for a 27-yard touchdown pass to make the tally 21-8. The Trojan defense locked down on the Chiefs to earn the victory. Fleming also shined on defense with three interceptions deep in the Red Zone. Also sophomore linebacker James Cox batted down back-to-back Marshall Massie attempts midway through the fourth quarter.
Then with 31 seconds left in the game, Fleming picked off his third pass of the night to close out the game.
