Mars Hill Bible pulls out gritty win over Bayside Academy in 3A State Championship

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Mars Hill Bible defeated Bayside Academy 38-21 to secure back-to-back Alabama 3A State Championships.

Jaxon Penn took home the MVP Award in the game after he rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. Hudson Higgins also added 195 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

This one was tight all the way through the first half, with both defenses showing toughness in the trenches. The Panthers lead the Admirals 14-6 at halftime.

Mars Hill was able to extend its lead to 17-6 early in the third quarter. However, Bayside Academy refused to roll over. The Admirals cut into Mars Hill’s lead with a Davis Barnett passing touchdown to Walker Collins to make the score 17-14 in favor of the Panthers.

Then Mars Hill turned to Penn, and he showed why he deserved the MVP award. He powered it in for a three-yard score and then broke free for an 89-yard score to give the Panthers a commanding 31-14 lead.

Bayside Academy’s quarterback Davis Barnett gave the Admirals some life late in the fourth when he hit Noah Cain on a 22-yard connection to make the score 31-21.

Higgins helped Mars Hill put this one away with a late rushing score.