Smyrna Bulldogs head coach Mark Williams called in on just a few hours of sleep. The team buses pulled in around 2 a.m. after a long road trip, and he got to bed around 3:30. Smyrna won that road playoff game 48–6, its most points scored and fewest allowed all season, right as the 6A bracket tightens. Williams credited his players for staying focused on the trip and for sticking to the team’s identity of commitment, discipline and physical football. He gave a lot of credit to his senior leaders and his coaching staff, which is full of former head coaches like Steve Williams and Doug Green. He also thanked his brother Matt for building much of that staff. Williams said the program’s real goal goes beyond wins and losses to raising good young men, and that “everything we do starts with love.” Quarterback AJ Jackson led the way, going 8-for-11 for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a big block on a reverse that got the offensive line fired up. Defensive back Yani Morales had two interceptions, returning one 60 yards for a touchdown. His second pick came right after back-to-back Smyrna fumbles to open the second half and helped turn the game back around.

Now Smyrna is one of eight teams left in 6A and heads to Maryville. Williams last coached against Maryville in the 2010 state championship game. He said the coaches there may change, but the program stays disciplined, well-coached and strong on special teams, and it doesn’t beat itself. His message for the week: “We can’t beat ourselves,” because Maryville doesn’t need any help from silly mistakes or penalties. The hosts ended the call by praising Williams. They said he’s done as good a job as anyone this year after taking over the program from his brother, which is “not easy to do.”