High-scoring Henry County invades Hillsboro

But tonight, it is the visitors who command the attention, as the top-scoring team in the state – Henry County – comes into Burro-land to meet Hillsboro in the semifinals of the Class 4A football playoffs for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

No. 2-ranked Henry County (13-0) rolls in from Paris, having scored 574 points (44.1 ppg), which poses the Burros' biggest challenge of the season by far. Hillsboro (11-2) has scored 474 points (36.4 per game) – not to shabby, either.

An impressive 42-21 road win at Beech gave Hillsboro 140 points in three playoff games, and the Burros have scored at least 42 in all three.

Asked what kind of game he expected, Hillsboro coach Scott Blade said, “We’ve averaged 49 points a game ourselves the last four games. What I’m expecting is a tough fight. If we give up that many points to them, I’d say our defense is not doing what a very good job.’’

“They (Henry) have a system, and they run it extremely effectively. They have two outstanding backs, and they run the ball well,’’ he said. “It’s been a long season, we’re in our 15th week, counting preseason, but our level of intensity is still there. Both of us are just one game away from the championship game.’’

Hillsboro is counting on QB Greg Young, who has really stepped up recently, along with a bevy of top receivers, to continue to put up points for the Burros.

If the Burros can get past Henry, a probable finals match-up looms with top-ranked Maryville, which has won the last four championships and 73 straight games. Maryville (13-0) plays Greeneville in its semifinal game.

• Lipscomb hosts Mitchell: Defending 3A state champion David Lipscomb (14-0) tries to earn a ticket back to the state finals as the Mustangs host Memphis Mitchell in the semis tonight. Lipscomb climinated Mitchell 20-18 last year in the semis in Memphis. The Mustangs are shooting for their fifth finals appearance in the last six years.

• Goodpasture visits Milan: Red-hot Goodpasture, which has caught fire in the playoffs, visits No. 2 ranked Milan (13-0) in the Class 2A semis. The Cougars are trying for their fourth straight trip to the finals.

• Franklin hosts White Station: Franklin (12-1) tries to get back into the finals for the first time since 2004 when the Rebels host White Station in the 5A semis.

• State finals are next Friday, Dec. 5 (1A and 2A) and Saturday, Dec. 6 (3A, 4A and 5A) at the Blue Cross Bowl at MTSU.

Tonight’s area prep playoff schedule

White Station at Franklin, 5A

Henry County at Hillsboro, 4A

Mem. mitchell at Lipscomb, 3A

Goodpasture at Milan, 2A

All kickoffs at 7 p.m.