Stephenson’s Jordan Christie (top photo) had a 47-yard punt return in Stephenson’s 22-6 Trail to the Title Semifinal win over Chapel Hill. Salem’s CJ Harris (bottom photo) ran for a 45-yard touchdown in Salem’s 12-0 win over Cedar Grove in the semifinals. (Top photo by Mark Brock, bottom photo by Arielle Hayes Photography)
The 2021 DeKalb Middle School Football Trail to the Title Championship is set as Salem and Stephenson won their semifinal round games at Avondale Stadium on Saturday.
Salem opened the semifinal doubleheader by knocking off Cedar Grove (5-3) 12-0 on Saturday.
CJ Harris got the Lions (8-0) on the board on the opening drive of the game running 45 yards to the end zone to give Salem the early 6-0.
Jaleel Baugh made it 12-0 on a 10-yard scamper early in the second quarter to push the lead out to 12-0 as the teams headed to the half.
Harris and Baugh also came up big on defense with multiple tackles as the Lions pitched their eight consecutive shutout victory on the season.
Stephenson (6-1) led 14-6 at the half and pulled away in the second half for a 22-14 victory over previously undefeated Chapel Hill (6-1-1).
Jayden McGee caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from De’Rick Pittman for the Jaguars. Cavalli Jackson ran 17 yards for a touchdown and Jordan Christie returned a punt 47 yards for another score for the Jaguars. Jerome Johnson added two two-point conversions.
Stephenson’s defense put up five sacks and forced and recovered two fumbles to hold Chapel Hill in check.
Zyeed Conwell scored a rushing touchdown in the second quarter for Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill closed the gap 22-14 in the fourth quarter on a Braylen Carter to Caleb Winfrey touchdown pass.
The championship final matches Salem and Stephenson for the second time and first time since Stephenson’s 2004 title win in the first year of the playoffs.
Stephenson is making its seventh title appearance and leads DeKalb with five championship trophies (2004, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2016). The only loss in the title game for Stephenson came in 2012 to Lithonia.
Salem is looking to even the championship series with Stephenson at 1-1 with a victory and the Lions’ first title as the two meet on Saturday at 10:00 am at Avondale Stadium.
See links below for current standings and Trail to the Title Championship Game program: