First Down Friday: Trinity, CAL punch tickets to state finals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two area schools who are very familiar with KHSAA state football championships are heading back to try and capture titles.

In 6A, Trinity will return to the state final for the first time since 2020 in pursuit of its 28th state championship. The Shamrocks edged Frederick Douglass 14-7 in an overtime thriller of a semifinal. The Shamrocks will face Bryan Station for the 6A title on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. in Lexington at Kroger Field. 

Christian Academy's 3A semifinal was not a nail biter. The Centurions cruised past Lexington Catholic, dominating in a 43-8 victory. CAL will take on Bell County for the 3A championship on Dec. 2 at noon at Kroger Field.

Two other area schools came up just short of state title berths. Ballard got out to a 14-0 lead over Bryan Station in the other 6A semifinal, but fell 24-21. Kentucky Country Day could not contain Raceland, as the Bearcats lost 42-6 in an 1A semifinal.

You can watch highlights from all of the games in the video at the top of the page.