MaxPreps is pleased to announce that the Southridge Spartans have officially been named to the 12th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, which is in its 12th year honoring football.
This is one of the most prestigious team awards in all of high school sports and it is an exclusive honor reserved for the top 100 teams nationwide. In order to be eligible, a team must win a state championship and be highly ranked in the
MaxPreps National Rankings. For football, only 50 of the country's best are invited and with nearly 17,000 competing varsity teams. This puts the Spartans ahead of 99.9 percent of their opponents!
On Dec. 10 the Southridge Spartans knew they had a great chance of ending the season as
FHSAA Class 8A state champions. Their defense put together one of the most dominant seasons in school history. They only allowed an average of 5 points per game, and shut out opponents seven straight times including the first two playoff games. They would need one more outstanding effort against the Dr. Phillips Panthers to go down as state champions.
In the first half the Spartan offense had trouble getting anything going. The Panther defense was a step ahead, completely shutting out the Spartans as they headed into the locker room. The Southridge defense kept the team in the game, but did not play their most dominant half. Down 10-0 going into the third quarter, the Spartan defense would have to play lights out to give their offense a shot at winning the game.
With 8:26 left in the game, the Southridge offense would finally get on the board when Jordan Dillard caught an 8-yard touchdown on a tipped pass. The defense would continue their stellar play, giving the ball back to
the offense with under five minutes to go. The offense had been held in check all night, but with time running out they took a shot deep down the field. Wide receiver Mark Pope created space behind the defense and QB Michael Cox was able to connect on an unbelievable 72-yard touchdown pass to take a 14-10 lead. The Spartan defense would hold off the Panthers final opportunity and finish off the dream 13-2 season and bring home the state championship trophy.
In order to be eligible, the team not only had to be nationally ranked, but also had to win a state championship. Beating Dr. Phillips 14-10 on Dec. 10 marked the completion of an incredible 12-2 season — and earned Southridge an invitation to the Tour of Champions.Southridge finished
No.8 in the state, and
No.73 in MaxPreps National Rankings.
These incredible season achievements have earned the Southridge Spartans an invitation to the 12th Annual Tour of Champions.
Please join us as we celebrate with the football team, coaching staff, students and fans on Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium.
For more information about the Tour of Champions, please visit the
MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.
