GREENWOOD (KFSM)- By playoffs, every team that has survived is a little banged up and Greenwood is no exception. One-half of starting quarterback duo, Connor Noland, played in the just the first half against Pine Bluff in the 6A Semifinals, but was out for the second half due to concussion symptoms.
"There were a lot of struggles but, they came out," said senior Connor Noland. "I listened to it all the way at the hospital. and they did a great job they executed did what they had to and made plays I mean we had guys right and left catching the ball and run the ball hard so they did all they could."
Quarterback Luke Hales, who's been playing sparingly because of pain in his throwing shoulder, stepped in and finished the job. Almost rushing for over 100-yards and hauled in two-touchdowns to help the Bulldogs edge the Zebras 31-30.
"We definitely had to change our game plan," said Hales. "Because coming in I wasn't really expected to throw at all. So when Connor got a concussion we had to change the game plan a little bit. I started running it a bit, got banged up, started sailing some balls but then we were able to run it and Kenny did a great job and offensive line really stepped up."
Now with their quarterbacks both healthy enough to play Saturday...Greenwood is just one win away from their first state title since 20-12. Russellville, a team they beat 27-24 during week-7, is the only thing standing in front of them.
"We beat them once but that doesn't mean anything," said senior Caleb Fowler. "We are looking forward to versing them pretty good set of receivers we'll match up pretty good with them they'll match up pretty good with us. So it should be a close one."
This is the second-straight year that Greenwood has advanced to the final round, but this time they are prepared to finish at War and Memorial.
Greenwood will face Russellville on Dec. 3 at War Memorial stadium in Little Rock.