By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
This past Friday night's 35-21 win over Springville not only earned the T.R. Miller Tigers a spot in the semifinals, it might have provided an intangible needed as they attempt to capture the Class 3A state championship.
After winning their first two playoff games by identical 35-0 scores, the Tigers found themselves in a dogfight against Springville. A 21-0 lead evaporated into a 21-21 tie at halftime before Miller players dug deep to regain control in the second half.
Miller head coach Jamie Riggs described the game and said the nature of the victory could turn out to be just what the doctor ordered for his team.
Miller moved to 9-3 on the season with the quarterfinal win and now must travel to face Montgomery Academy (11-2) in a semifinal game. Montgomery Academy was ranked No. 8 in the final regular-season poll and advanced to the semifinal round with a 12-6 upset win over fourth-ranked Pike County.
Riggs said Montgomery Academy plays well in every facet of the game.
As the kickoff draws nearer, Riggs said he feels there is parity between the two teams both physically and in the level of confidence each will approach the game with.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in Montgomery. The school is located on Vaughn Road.