The Madison County Cowboys are making their 8th appearance in a FHSAA State Championship Game. The Cowboys hoisted Class 2A trophies in 2001 and 2007. They have also finished as state runner ups in 1998, 2003, 2004, 2011, and 2012.

Madison County is a perfect 13-0 this season and they have outscored their three playoff opponents 140-23 this post season. The Cowboys crushed Lake Butler Union County 50-6 in round one, smashed Cross City Dixie County 62-7 in round two, and defeated Pahokee 28-10 in the Class 1A Semifinals two weeks ago.

Offensively, Madison County is led by all everything senior running back Derrick Staton Jr. He has 2,489 all purpose yards and has score 28 touchdowns in 4 different ways. Staton Jr. has 17 rushing, 5 receiving, 3 kick return, and 3 punt return touchdowns! Senior Teryon Henderson has rushed for 1,106 yards and 9 touchdowns this season and will try to keep the Blountstown defense from keying on Staton Jr. Other options in the running game include sophomore Vinsonta Allen(61 carries 522 yards 5tds) and junior Marcus Ghent(57 carries 446 yards 5tds). When the Cowboys take to the air, senior Tre Adams(1,209 yards passing, 9tds) will distribute the ball to Staton Jr, senior Ken Hawkins(14 catches 328 yard 3td), junior Daquarius Thompkins, and Allen.

Senior middle linebacker Jonathan Alexander leads the Madison County defense, he has totaled 132 tackles and a whopping 28 tackles for loss! Seniors Monterious Fleming(100 tackles, 10 tfl), Darryln Brooks(82 tackles, 11 tfl), and Travis Fead Jr.(65 tackles, 7 tfl) assist Alexander in shutting down the opposition. Junior defensive lineman Terray Jones(71 tackles, 20 tfl) and Patrick Hampton(68 tackles, 18 tfl) are also major contributors. Junior Travis Jay has 8 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns and the Cowboy defense has forced 13 fumbles so far this season.

The Blountstown Tigers will be playing in their 6th State Championship Game. The Tigers won Class 2A Championships in 1973, 1976, and 1977. They were Class 1A runner ups in 2004 and 2013.

The Tigers will enter the Class 1A final sporting a 11-1 record, they dominated Monticello Jefferson County 49-8 in the first round, defeated Port St. Joe 41-21 in round two, and went on the road two weeks ago to defeat Baker, the 2016 Class 1A state runner up 41-21.

Blountstown's offense is led by junior quarterback Trent Peacock who has completed 71% of his passes for 1,141 yards with 14 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Peacock also has rushed for 383 yards and 5 touchdowns. He has several playmakers surrounding him including senior Denzel Washington(999 yards rushing, 175 yards receiving, 16 tds), sophomore Trevin Smith(656 yards rushing, 230 yards receiving, 11 tds), senior K.K. Godwin(259 yards rushing, 326 yards receiving, 7 tds), senior Jamal Howard(259 yards rushing, 279 yards receiving, 9 tds), and junior Trent Smith(343 yards rushing, 4 tds).

Defenively, the Tigers will rely on senior linebacker Jarkeavis Bess(107 tackles), junior linebacker Kentrell Lawson(118 tackles), and senior linebacker Alex Buggs(6 sacks). Godwin(6 interceptions) and Howard(3 interceptions) lead the secondary.