Ryan Williams leads Tallulah Academy to State Championship Game

TALLULAH, LA. (VDN) — Vicksburg native Ryan Williams has helped Tallulah Academy advance to the state championship game in his first year as Head Football Coach.

Tallulah Academy (TA) earned its latest postseason win Friday night, going on the road and defeating Columbus Christian 56-32 in the MAIS Class 1A Division II semifinals. The victory continued a remarkable playoff surge under Williams, who has guided the Trojans through one of the program’s most impressive late-season turnarounds in recent years.

TA has been dominating since entering the playoffs, most notably knocking off Briarfield Academy, the defending state champions. The Trojans won that matchup 22-18 — a significant rebound after losing 40-8 to Briarfield just a couple of weeks prior. Williams credited his team’s growth, focus and willingness to buy into the system as the keys to their postseason success.

Although the Trojans came in as underdogs again Friday, they left as clear favorites. JT McDaniel powered the offense with two rushing touchdowns, including a 50-plus–yard run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Owen Martin added both a rushing and receiving touchdown, while Kyler Hale and Aiden Harris each contributed rushing scores as TA pulled away in the second half.

TA will now face DeSoto School next Friday at Jackson Academy. The game will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Under the leadership of Williams, the Trojans have an 8-5 record and are currently on a three game winning streak.