With a final score of 27-19, Plant advances to the state title game for the first time since 2011.
Refusing to shake hands during the coin toss, Jacksonville Lee, making its first semifinal appearance since 1996, started the game on offense. An interception thrown by dual-threat quarterback Derrick Jones opened up an opportunity for the Panthers just six plays into the opening drive. The Plant offense, led by QB Dane Frantzen, responded with an eight play, 44-yard drive capped by a 6-yard touchdown reception by Whop Philyor for a 7-0 lead.
After stalling the Generals on the ensuing drive, the Panthers extended the lead to 14-0 after Frantzen connected with Kyle Trina (9 rec., 93 yards & 1 TD) for a 14-yard touchdown.
Searching for a response, the elusiveness of Derrick Jones and three 4th down conversions lead to a 4-yard touchdown pass to Donnie Weatherspoon cutting the lead to 14-7.
Leading 14-7 at the half, a muffed punt recovered by Plant set the Panthers up at the Generals 31-yard line. Six plays later, Dane Frantzen's 17th rushing touchdown of the season gave Plant a 21-7 lead in the 3rd quarter.
On the ensuing drive, Derrick Jones and the Generals responded immediately. A 44-yard rush leading to a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jurial Caldwell (4 rec., 110 yards & 2 TD) cut the lead to 21-13.
In direct response, the Panthers marched downfield for an 8 play, 80-yard drive ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Frantzen (258 total yards & 4 TD) to make it 27-13 in the 3rd.
With under four minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, Derrick Jones (333 total yards & 3 TD) and Jurial Caldwell reconnect for a 69-yard touchdown to make it 27-19.
After forcing the Panthers to punt, the Generals, with 1:48 remaining and no timeouts left, had one last chance to tie the game. A late interception by USC commit Juwan Burgess squandered those efforts for a 27-19 final score.
The Plant Panthers advance to the state title game for the first time since 2011. Plant will face St. Thomas Aquinas.