5 takeaways: Lipscomb Academy reaches semifinals in coach Trent Dilfer's first season

Lipscomb Academy limped into the TSSAA football playoffs two weeks ago.

Now, the Mustangs and first-year coach Trent Dilfer have a shot at reaching the program's first Division II championship game.

Lipscomb Academy walloped Knoxville Grace Christian 45-21 Friday to reach the Division II-AA semifinals. The Mustangs, who had lost in the DII-AA first round the past two seasons, can reach the championship with a win at CPA (6-6) on Friday.

Lipscomb Academy (7-5) entered the playoffs having lost four of five games. That included a 28-7 loss to CPA on Oct. 4.

"It means that the plan is working," said Dilfer, the former Super Bowl winning quarterback, on the team's turnaround in the playoffs. "The plan was to be at our best this time of year. The boys are playing better than they ever have.

"They are stronger, they are tougher, they are more focused."

Jaden Lyles had 28 carries for 102 yards and scored three touchdowns to pace Lipscomb Academy.  Luther Richesson was 10-of-16 passing for 233 yards with two touchdown passes to Kyle McNamara, who had seven catches for 189 yards.

The Mustangs' defense held Grace Christian running back Caleb Curcio to 14 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries. He also caught a pass for 22 yards. Curcio finished with 1,289 total yards and 26 total touchdowns this season.

Pearl-Cohn holds off East Nashville

Martino Owens overcame a knee bruise to lead Pearl-Cohn (12-0) into the Class 3A quarterfinals

The Firebirds beat East Nashville 28-19 to set up a date with Giles County. The Bobcats (6-6) beat Stratford 17-14.

Martino Owens was 13-of-15 for 134 yards for Pearl-Cohn, which can reach its fifth state semifinal in six seasons.

Rontavious Gregory led East Nashville with 126 yards on 18 carries and had a touchdown.

Shelbyville upsets Beech in final seconds

Shelbyville sophomore Kade Cunningham sent the Eagles to their first Class 5A quarterfinal since 2014.

Cunningham led the Eagles to a 20-17 win over previously undefeated Beech with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Mason Wright with 19 seconds left. It was Cunningham's second TD pass of the night. He went 13-of-19 passing for 136 yards.

Shelbyville (11-1) hosts Summit (10-2) at 7 p.m. Friday.

Beech (11-1) was led by Tysean Jefferson's 93 rushing yards. Mr. Football semifinalist Ja'sean Parks was held to 87 yards on 18 carries.

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Ensworth upsets Briarcrest to reach  semifinals

Ensworth overcame Briarcrest Christian and its two Mr. Football semifinalists to reach the Division II-AAA semifinals under first-year coach Roc Batten.

Ensworth held off Briarcrest 35-33.

Gerard Bullock was 7-of-17 passing for 155 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers (8-3), who play at McCallie (9-2) next week. Ensworth defeated McCallie 33-29 in the final week of the regular season to clinch a playoff berth.

"They just keep fighting," Batten said. "I'm proud of them. There were a lot of back and forth big plays.

"We just need to keep building from it."

Mr. Football semifinalist Jabari Small had 131 rushing yards and four touchdowns. However, he was stopped on a 2-point conversion with 2:37 left to help give Ensworth the win.

Nolensville reaches first quarterfinal

Nolensville is headed to the program's first Class 4A quarterfinal in the school's fourth year of existence.

Nolensville (10-2) routed host Livingston Academy 33-7. The Knights host DeKalb County (8-4), a 24-22 winner over Marshall County.

Ryder Galardi was 12-of-24 passing for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Galardi has thrown for 1,912 yards with 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions. 

Nolensville has reached the playoffs in each of the program' three varsity seasons. The team played a junior varsity schedule its first year.

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Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.