By JAMES DUBUISSON

Chilton Christian Academy is preparing for the Christian Football Association 6-man state championship. The Patriots advanced to the championship by defeating Conecuh Springs for the third time this season, 56-33.

Neither teams’ defenses wavered in the first quarter, as the score was 0-0 going into the second quarter.

The Patriots finally scored off a 29-yard touchdown run by junior Chris Lassinger.

The Patriots led 12-6 with 37 seconds left in the first half.

Lassinger would end the Eagles’ next drive and the first half as he intercepted a pass on CCA’s 20 yard line.

The Patriots doubled the amount of points they scored in the first half 4 minutes into the third quarter as Lassinger connected with Carl Mitchell on another touchdown pass, this one of the 54 yard variety. Lassinger scored again 13 seconds later on a 3 yard line. This following an Eagles’ fumble, which was recovered by Kevin Kemp.

The Patriots led 25-6.

The Eagles’ put the ball into the end zone with 7:00 left in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, Lassinger sealed the Patriots’ victory by returning the ball 63 yards for a CCA touchdown to put them up 31-13 with 6:48 left in the third.

CCA went on to score 13 more points in the third quarter to put themselves up 38-27 going into the fourth quarter.

CCA coach Todd Stephens said that he had “the strongest defense in the state” and Patriots showed why their coach has that much confidence in them as they did not allow Conecuh Springs to score in the last thirteen minutes of the game.

“We are back to the team that is shooting for the state championship,” Stephens said after the victory.

Lassinger had 7 touchdowns including: a 70 yard forced and recovered fumble return, a 63 yard kickoff return, three rushing touchdowns, and two passing touchdowns.

Carl Mitchell also scored a touchdown for the Patriots, on an interception.

With the victory, CCA moves on to the CFA 6-man state championship, which will be played next Friday in Bessemer, kickoff scheduled for 6:30.