Rector avenged that loss in a semifinal game November 17th that the Cougars won 62-40. Spring Hill’s semifinal was a 42-12 victory against the Augusta Red Devils on November 24th. 

Spring Hill got to play Augusta on the Bears’ home field because of the forfeit of the Strong-Luttig Bulldogs of what had been a quarterfinals victory against Augusta on November 10th. Because of the use of a non-eligible player throughout its undefeated season, which Strong self-reported to the Arkansas Activities Association, Strong had to forfeit all its victories including the playoff game against Augusta.  The result was that Spring Hill hosted Augusta in a semi-final game this past Friday. 

Rector, coached by Dave Hendrix, is a determined team, out to capture the championship that eluded it last year. Its standouts include senior quarterback Drew Henderson, who is the team’s primary runner. He also plays well as a defender. Another senior, Kaden Avery, has added almost a thousand yards and nine touchdowns this year. 

Spring Hill, coached by Greg Smith, has built a reputation all season for a bruising running attack from running back T.J. Tipton, quarterback Jaxon Smith and elusive running back and receiver Zane Minton. Holding opponents to under 18 points per game, the Bears boast a defense that frequently gets to quarterbacks and runners in the backfield. 

The game will be broadcast tomorrow on Arkansas PBS, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.