David Gabriel-Georges delivered one of the most dominant performances in Tennessee high school football history Friday night, rushing for 435 yards and seven touchdowns on 32 carries as Baylor defeated rival McCallie 56-35 in the TSSAA Division II Class AAA playoffs.

The junior running back scored on runs of 17, one, four, 33, seven, one, and 85 yards to power the Red Raiders past the Blue Tornado in the second meeting between the Chattanooga rivals this season.

"That was probably the best high school performance I've ever seen in person," Baylor head coach Erik Kimrey said. "He's the best player I've ever coached or even been associated with, even when I was in college. He's a special young man. He's got a great family. He's got a great mindset. It's just a blessing to be coaching him."

Baylor QB (and Louisville commit), Briggs Cherry, had an efficient night. He finished 10-16 for 169 yards, complete with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Tennessee commit, Jamyan Theodore.

In October, Baylor rallied to defeat McCallie 38-35 at Spears Stadium, with Gabriel-Georges rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns in that contest. The junior has now totaled 715 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in two games against the Blue Tornado this year.

The Baylor-McCallie rivalry draws passionate support from both communities. Tonight was the seventh meeting between the rivals in the past four seasons.

"It's the biggest rivalry in high school sports," said Tom Rowland, a McCallie '87 graduate with children who attended both schools. "It makes both schools better in every sport and in the classrooms. It fuels alumni participation and support. There is really nothing like it that I have ever seen."

Coach Kimrey echoed what the rivalry means to the community.

"I think it highlights two great institutions, and I do think we bring out the best in each other," he said. "That's why these games are always so intense and well played and well coached. It's really cool to see two communities come out and really pull for great kids. They have great kids, we have great kids. I think it's the best of high school football."

McCallie head coach Joel Bradford, despite the loss, praised his team's effort and spoke about the pride in his players this season.

"To be a champion doesn't necessarily mean you have to win the last game," Bradford said. "To be a champion is the journey that you put yourself through — the day in, day out stuff, the discipline, the self-accountability, the commitment to your team and your teammates and the coaches, improving each and every day, working hard. That's the champion. It was a tight knit group, great leadership from the seniors. It was a great, great group of guys to coach. It was so much fun."

The victory advances Baylor to face undefeated Brentwood Academy, 38-7 winners over Christ Presbyterian, in the Division II-AAA state championship game set for Thursday December 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Finley Stadium. The schools were supposed to meet back in September, but the contest was canceled due to severe weather.

McCallie quarterback Elliott Drapeau threw for 395 yards and three scores on a 22 of 40 night, while his Baylor counterpart, Briggs Cherry was 10 of 16 for 169 yards and one touchdown. The Red Raiders rolled to 572 total yards, while McCallie chalked up 556.

The Blue Tornado's Keeyshawn Tabuteau led all receivers with 227 yards on nine catches.

Looking ahead, Kimrey acknowledged his team has work to do before facing the Eagles in two weeks.

"We made some glaring mistakes tonight," he said. "We can't give up these deep balls, and Brentwood Academy has some receivers that can exploit you for sure. We're going to clean up a lot. They've got a great team. They're undefeated, and it's going to be a heck of a game."

GAME SUMMARY

SCORING SUMMARY:
10:32 1Q B: David Gabriel-Georges 17 run, Sam Shutters kick, 0-7

6:17 1Q M: Xavier Fillion 6 run, Ben Brewer kick, 7-7

4:35 1Q B: Gabriel-Georges 1 run, Shutters kick, 7-14

5:43 2Q B: Gabriel-Georges 4 run, Shutters kick, 7-21

2:38 2Q B: Gabriel-Georges 33 run, Shutters kick, 7-28

2:10 2Q M: Jacob Lamontagne 17 pass from Elliott Drapeau, Brewer kick, 14-28

11:43 3Q M: Keeyshawn Tabuteau 76 pass from Drapeau, Brewer kick, 21-28

9:05 3Q B: Gabriel-Georges 7 run, Shutters kick, 21-35

8:14 3Q M: Mikey Bartlett 42 pass from Drapeau, Brewer kick, 28-35

0:56 3Q M: Kris Lloyd 11 run, Brewer kick, 35-35

10:00 4Q B: Jamyan Theodore 39 pass from Briggs Cherry, Shutters kick, 35-42

5:30 4Q B: Gabriel-Georges 1 run, Shutters kick, 35-49

4:11 4Q B: Gabriel-Georges 85 run, Shutters kick, 35-56

Individual Stats

Rushing: Xavier Fillion 13-62; Kris Lloyd 7-46; Elliott Drapeau 7-33 (MCC); David Gabriel-Georges 32-435; Briggs Cherry 5-(-31) (BAY).

Passing: Elliott Drapeau 22 of 40 for 395 yards, 3 TDs; Louis Fortier 4 of 7 for 80 yards.1 INT(MCC); Briggs Cherry 10 of 16 for 169 yards. 1 TD (BAY).

Receiving  Keeyshawn Tabuteau 9-227 Xavier Fillion 5-67; Mikey Bartlett 1-42; Jacob Lamontagne 3-36; Loia Valade 3-30; Levi Scott 2-16; Roman Zabrosky 1-58 (MCC); Jamyan Thoedore 5-82; David Gabriel-Georges 5-44; Kaiden Dewey 2-43 (BAY).

Records: McCallie 10-3; Baylor 12-0.

Next up: Baylor plays Brentwood Academy (12-0) in DII-AAA State Championship.

(Contact Jake Moore at jakemooremedia12@gmail.com)

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