LAKE PROVIDENCE, La. — Briarfield Academy put a stake through Tallulah Academy’s championship dynasty.

Holt Martin ran for 89 yards and a touchdown, and also threw a touchdown pass, to lead Briarfield to a 24-0 victory over Tallulah in the first round of the MAIS 8-Man playoffs Friday.

Kade Howard returned a fumble for a touchdown, while Danny Sullivan had 12 tackles to lead the Rebels’ defense to its second consecutive shutout. Kyle Moody had 10 tackles and two fumble recoveries as well, and Christian Herrington recorded a safety.

It was the second time that Briarfield (9-2) has beaten Tallulah (7-5) this season — the Rebels also won 58-18 in their regular-season meeting in September — but this one meant much more. For the first time in three years, there will be a new champion in the 8-Man division.

Tallulah had won the last two state titles and played for a third in 2014. Its five losses this season were more than it had in its first three years of 8-man football combined.

Briarfield, meanwhile, won for the seventh time in eight games and advanced to the semifinal round next week at division rival Riverdale. Riverdale beat Briarfield 22-13 when they played Oct. 13.
Riverdale edged North Sunflower 14-12 in another first-round game Friday.

On the other side of the bracket, No. 1 seed Humphreys Academy beat Delta Academy 34-22 to remain undefeated, and Prentiss Christian routed Calhoun Academy 63-38 to set up next week’s second semifinal.