Cinni Prep and Larkin Central have each been graduating students for nearly 100 years. Cinni Prep first opened its doors in 1924. Larkin Central wasn’t too far behind, graduating its first 4-year class in 1932. Each launched their football programs in the 1940s. But tomorrow night, they will meet for the first time ever for the opportunity to advance to the High School Football State Semifinals.

Cinni Prep reached the quarterfinals after finishing the regular season with a 6-3 record. The Catfish’s 2024 season was both their first winning season and their first playoff birth in 7 years. Led by Junior QB phenom, Brucie Murphy, the Catfish offense has been humming since last year’s red-hot October that saw the Catfish fall just short of a winning record but beating conference rival and eventual state champion, Lumbus High. “That game gave us a lot of confidence that we can compete with the best football teams in this state,” said Mr. Murphy, referencing last year’s 48-25 victory. “But, we really had a letdown this year versus them. We got boat-raced and I think that humility we all felt allowed us to dial in for the postseason,” he said, recounting the 28-0 rout from a few weeks ago to close out the regular season.

Since that loss, the Catfish have steamrolled their two playoff opponents. Their first-round 34-21 victory over #19 Kingstown High was the school’s first home playoff game since 2015 and their first playoff victory since 2016. Last week, they traveled to #3 Blue Heights gutting out a 7-6 defensive struggle. “It’s been a long time since there has been consistent success around here on the football field. This is a special group of seniors and a great team. It’s the type of season you never want to end,” said Head Coach Benny Marmalade. “These athletes really responded well after that clunker to finish the season. We can play with any team in this state. We’ve proven that all season. This week’s game is no different. Larkin will be a tough opponent. Nobody’s solved them yet this year but we like our chances. Friday night will be the first quarterfinal game hosted at Cinni Prep in the entire history of the school. That’s a very big deal and we’re going to show up with the right attitude and discipline to make it a night for Cinniapolitans to remember forever,” he said.

While the Larkin Central Lions have gone undefeated this season, the State Power Rankings were not kind to them. Despite a 9-0 regular season and conference championship, the Lions were given the 27th seed out the 32-team playoff field. While the Catfish secured a #14 ranking. “Our boys have had a chip on their shoulder long before they ever put on a football helmet,” said Head Coach Randy Hogan. “Larkin has been historically dismissed as inferior because of it’s small-town values and traditions. We are making people notice Larkin again. We have great pride in our town and this team honors our community by giving maximum effort toward winning football games. We are going to Cinniapolis to win,” he said.

That confidence is well-earned after the Lions have handily dismissed their two playoff opponents. Their team speed and precision resulted in a first-round 48-25 victory over #6 West Bedford that was not as close as the score suggests. In their second-round game, the Lions routed the previously undefeated #11 Greenridge 30-6.

Local analysts have called this game a toss-up. But, the State High School Football Network gives a slight edge to Larkin Central. Their weekly preview states “Larkin’s speed will exhaust the staunch Cinni defense.”

The Chorus sports department’s official prediction differs. While Larkin is no doubt the faster team, their size and scheme will not match up to the stronger, more disciplined Catfish. The athletes from Larkin have not encountered the combination of size and execution that the Catfish deploy each game. They will have their hands full trying to defend the Murphy-led Catfish offense. Final prediction, Cinni Prep 42, Larkin Central 28.

Go Catfish!