Madison Academy heads to state championship game

Madison Academy’s Jaelin Ferdinand had three receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown in a 54-14 win over Lexington. (Photo by Paulette Berryman)

By Mike Easterling

For the Reporter

HUNTSVILLE – There are numbers.

There’s 43, which is how many straight wins Madison Academy has in Class 3A, Region 8 high school football action.

There’s 22, which is how many straight wins the top-ranked Mustangs have against in-state competition.

Finally, there’s one, which is how many games the Mustangs have left in the regular season following Friday’s 54-14 home win over Lexington.

And then of course, there’s the only number that really matters: four. After hosting traditional 6A power Briarwood Christian this week, Madison Academy enters the playoffs seeking its fourth straight state championship.

“I’m excited for our seniors,” Mustangs coach Eric Cohu said after his team improved to 7-1 overall and 6-0 in the region against Lexington. “They were able to finish out their careers without ever losing a region game.’’

Friday, Madison Academy will face Briarwood to continue a habit of playing strong non-region teams. Madison Academy opened the season with a 19-14 win over Leeds, then lost 28-7 to Tennessee powerhouse Ensworth before region play began.

“They are a difficult, formidable opponent,’’ Cohu said. “We’ll have to play one of our best games, but we feel like we can compete with them heading into the playoffs.”

Against Lexington (6-3, 4-2), Jonathan Parrish had two rushing touchdowns, and Kiki Matthews, Malik Miller, Jordan Garrett and Allen Carpenter had one apiece. Jaelin Ferdinand and Bronson Shad both had receiving touchdowns. Grayson Edgemon was eight of eight passing for 159 yards.