Class A-3A Private Blog: Big performances define the A-3A Private championship

The GHSA Private Classification season is over and Hebron is once again the champion after defeating Calvary Day 28-21.

Both teams had strong performances and look to be championship contenders for years to come.

Calvary Day’s best player was the under-the-radar Emerson Lewis. The junior four-star cornerback is one of the most overlooked players in the state. On defense, Lewis recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception. On offense, he added two catches for 28 yards. While the statistics may not jump off the page, his impact was second to none, as he consistently made big plays whenever Calvary Day needed one.

Additionally, defensive end Elisha Williams was a force, spending much of the day in the backfield with three sacks and four tackles for loss, helping keep the Cavaliers in the game.

On the Hebron side, Max Steve imposed his will on the Cavaliers. On defense, he tallied eight tackles, one sack, and one interception. Offensively, he added one catch for 11 yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion.

Hebron quarterback Jarvis Mathurin was the MVP of the game for good reason.

Offensively, the passing game struggled, as he connected only twice for five yards. However, on the ground, Mathurin rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown. His biggest impact, though, came on defense, where he has spent limited time this season. He intercepted a pass with 1:37 left in the second quarter to end a Cavaliers scoring threat, then added another interception on Calvary Day’s final drive to seal the game and allow the Lions to kneel it out.

A point that cannot be overlooked is the job the two first-year coaches have done at their respective schools. While neither is a first-year head coach in the traditional sense, both have coached in over 80 games, Jason Cameron led the Cavaliers to their first championship appearance since 2013. Meanwhile, Kenny Dallas continued his winning ways, reaching his fifth championship game and capturing his second state title.

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