Pulaski Academy and Little Rock Christian are separated by less than six miles in west Little Rock, but the two private schools' football programs are even going into their Class 5A semifinal matchup Friday.
The Bruins and Warriors are both 12-0 and are conference champions heading into their game at Little Rock Christian's Warrior Field, and they have been ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, all season in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Class 5A Super Six.
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS
PULASKI ACADEMY AT LR CHRISTIAN
WHAT Class 5A semifinal
WHEN 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE Warrior Field, Little Rock
RECORDS Pulaski Academy 12-0, Little Rock Christian 12-0
COACHES Pulaski Academy: Kevin Kelley; Little Rock Christian: Jeff Weaver
TICKETS $6. Advance tickets available from 10 a.m.-noon Friday at Pulaski Academy and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Little Rock Christian. A total of 1,250 tickets remained as of Tuesday.
While the semifinal matchup has been anticipated ever since the postseason brackets were released in October, Little Rock Christian Coach Jeff Weaver said he has tried to keep his Warriors focused heading into their game against the defending Class 5A state champions.
"They're not going to give out a trophy at the end of this game," Weaver said. "Both teams understand that, but you can't win the state championship without winning this Friday, either."
It's the first postseason meeting between the schools. Pulaski Academy has won four state championships -- all under Coach Kevin Kelley -- and owns a 4-1 record against Little Rock Christian, but the schools haven't faced one another since 2012. The Warriors have played in one state championship game, losing to Greenwood in 2007.
"It's going to be an exciting game," said Little Rock Christian quarterback Kyron Sanders, who has completed 177 of 264 passes for 2,682 yards with 35 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. "The rivalry is so big. It's a great thing to be a part of."
Both teams are coming off mercy-rule victories. Pulaski Academy used a 35-7 second quarter en route to a 78-44 rout of Hope, setting school records for points and yards gained (836). Little Rock Christian eliminated Wynne 49-21 behind senior running back Damarea Crockett's four touchdowns.
"They mirror us in some ways," Kelley said of the Warriors. "I hope our guys can play like they always have this year. I know our defensive coaches will have a good game plan and limit them and not make it an 80-70 game."
The Bruins have scored at least 35 points in all 12 of their victories this season. They have been led by sophomore quarterback Layne Hatcher, who has completed 257 of 387 passes for 4,111 yards with 49 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
"It's a huge challenge," Weaver said. "They're so good. They do a phenomenal job, but we fought to get our way here. We're going to make the most of this challenge."
Sanders said the Warriors can't afford to turn over the ball. Pulaski Academy has forced 20 interceptions, with senior defensive back Cody Anderson accounting for eight.
"We have to be excellent and protect the football," Sanders said.
The winner will play Little Rock McClellan or Batesville in the Class 5A state championship game Dec. 4 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
"Both teams have answered the bell 12 times so far," Weaver said. "I expect both teams to answer the bell this Friday and play a good football game."
Sports on 11/25/2015