Tabernacle wraps up preparations for semifinal showdown

Gardendale, AL – The Tabernacle Christian Torches (7-3) put the finishing touches on the game plan for their CFA semifinal matchup with Mississippi power Russell Christian Academy (9-0) in a walkthrough at Mac Sanderson Field Thursday afternoon.  The Torches will look to hand the four-time defending conference champion Warriors their first loss on the gridiron since August 20th 2020.  

The Torches fell to the undefeated Warriors 40-6 in their regular season meeting October 1st.  

Tabernacle and Russell have a history of postseason meetings having faced each other in the CFA title game twice over the last five seasons with both games ending in favor of the Warriors.  

The Russell defense will have their hands full defending the potent Tabernacle offense lead by standout quarterback Clinton Chase.  The junior just wrapped up one of the most successful regular seasons for a Torches quarterback in recent memory, putting up over 2,000 yards in 10 games.  Chase has completed 103-of-190 passes for 1,534 yards and 22 touchdowns against four interceptions while running for 558 yards and 15 scores on 114 carries.  A pair of fellow juniors combined to lead the Tabernacle offense.  Running back Trae Andrews has rolled up 773 yards on 110 carries and 14 touchdowns while averaging over seven yards per attempt.  Receiver Daniel McCormick lead the Torch receiving corps, averaging over 19 yards per reception while hauling in 47 grabs for 897 yards. 

The Tabernacle defense has been lead by sophomore Troy Box with 71 tackles and four sacks on the season.  Senior Logan Bartlett has added 10 sacks while junior Bryant Howard chipped in four interceptions.  

The winner will advance to the Christian Football Association title game to face either Tuscaloosa Christian School or Evangel-Montgomery.  

This will be the Torches first trip to the postseason in the head coach Clint Chase era.