Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Just before the Dec. 12 state championship game against Carterville High School at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Blessed Trinity football team crashes through the 10-foot x 18-foot banner with white and gold letters outlined in black, bearing the pre-game charge, DEFEND THE TITLE. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Blessed Trinity High School outside linebacker Alex Poma, on the ground, upends Cartersville High School running back Marcus Gary. The Blessed Trinity defensive unit held Carterville to three field goals in the team's 23-9 victory. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Senior running back Steele Chambers (#22) breaks off a run for a first down during the second quarter of the state finals against Carterville High School. Chambers had 21 carries for 91 yards in the game. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

After Ryan Davis catches and scores a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, Blessed Trinity High School center Jackson Filipowicz (#53) lifts Davis in the air above elated teammates. It gave the team a 16-6 lead with just over 9:00 remaining in the game. Blessed Trinity would eventually defeat Cartersville High School 23-9 to earn the moniker, “back-to-back state champion.” Davis was also named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Blessed Trinity High School sought to seal the victory with its final touchdown of game, a one-yard quarterback sneak by Jake Smith. Running back Steele Chambers (#22) and tight end James Bryant (#81) provide a signal for clarification. Five minutes later the team would repeat as state champions with a 23-9 win over Cartersville High School. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Fans in the Blessed Trinity High School student section can feel another victory coming on as the game clock winds down. Their team won its second consecutive state championship, Dec. 12, with a 23-9 win over Cartersville High School. Blessed Trinity also finished the season with a perfect 15-0 record. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

(L-r) Blessed Trinity High School head football coach Tim McFarlin watches as defensive end Jr. Bivens (#8), quarterback Jake Smith (#9), wide receiver Ryan Davis (#6), running back Steele Chambers (#22) and middle linebacker JD Bertrand (#16) hoist the championship during the post-game presentation. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

“First thing first,” said head coach Tim McFarlin, center, as he gathered the team in a circle for a post-game prayer before the trophy presentation. Photo By Michael Alexander

Cartersville vs Blessed Trinity

As Blessed Trinity running back Steele Chambers (#22) walks off the field and back to the locker room with offensive center Jack Filipowicz, right, carrying the championship trophy, he gets a congratulatory pat on the shoulder from Cornell Dore, left, a member of Blessed Trinity’s athletic association. Photo By Michael Alexander