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MADISON – The Clinton Lady Arrows have faced their share of adversity this season, and they were still fresh on the mind of coach Elliot Rimmer following Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Madison Central in the 6A North Championship.

“The first two matchups didn’t go our way,” Rimmer said. “But we told the girls this is the one that matters.”

His team kept pushing, and will now play Northwest Rankin for a State Championship Saturday at 4 p.m.

If they bring the same effort Saturday they brought Tuesday, they have a chance to win it all.

The energy in “The Jungle” was certainly palpable. Both teams were well-represented by both their student sections and fans. Every time a team came anywhere close to their goal, the tension throughout the stadium would rise. It was the Clinton faithful who were able to explode first in the 12th minute. 

A high pass over the top of the Madison Central defense fell straight into the path of the Lady Arrow’s speedster Tailynn Remmel. Remmel beat the Madison Central goalkeeper with a great touch, and it was an easy finish for the senior forward on a wide-open net.

Madison Central worked the rest of the first half to get the game even. Anna Wheatley ripped a shot in the 19th minute that required a diving save. The shot fell to Lorilee Taylor who put her shot inches over the bar.

Olivia Tribolet added another pair of nice chances for the Lady Jags in the 24th minute and 32nd minute. One being a shot ripped from 20 yards that was pushed over the bar by Clinton goalkeeper Sarah Polk. The second was the Lady Jags’ best chance of the game, a blast of a free kick that left the crossbar shaking but stayed out of goal.

Madison Central was unable to finish though, and Clinton preserved their lead into the half. 

That changed just two minutes into the second half.

Akala Jacobs showed off her strength, fending off multiple Clinton defenders on a pass over the top of the defense. This led to Jacobs getting a one-on-one chance with the Clinton keeper that Jacobs snuck right underneath her to even the game.

Clinton showed their perseverance though, getting the lead right back. Jakiya Michael received the ball on the left-hand side and went to work. Michael beat multiple defenders and then slotted her shot right by the goalkeeper. 

As the game went on, Madison Central sent more and more people forward. Their most dangerous chance came in the 75th minute when Akala Jacobs got her head on a free kick. The crowd rose to their feet but a diving save by Clinton’s Polk secured the game for the Lady Arrows.