LONG THROWS FOR 5 TOUCHDOWNS
LEBANON -- Friendship Christian School advanced to the Class 2A semifinals next week with a 29-12 win Friday night over Marion County at Pirtle Field. The Commanders (11-1) trailed 6-0 early, then responded with four unanswered touchdowns to mount a 28-6 lead.

Quarterback A.J. Long was superb in the victory, completing 12-of-18 pass attempts for 233 yards and five touchdowns. He helped loosen up the Marion County defense with 100 yards rushing on 10 first half carries.

"We had seen some things on film we felt like we could take advantage of," said FCS coach John McNeal. "Once they tryed to adjust on the runs, the passing lanes were there. Our defense played great football tonight, too. We read our keys and swarmed to the ball."

Stefan Remus accounted for four Commander scores, running in from 10 yards out in the first quarter, then hauling in TD passes of 63, 21 and 15 yards from Long. Austin Taylor ran for 76 yards on 10 carrie while Steven Hollis added 74 on eight attempts.

Marion County finished the season 9-3, a dramatic turnaround under first-year head coach Mac McCurry after going 1-9 in 2011.

Friendship christian's win sets up a semifinal rematch next Friday at home vs. Boyd-Buchanan -- a 35-13 winner over Knoxville Grace. The Bucs scored 21 points in the second half and improved to 12-1 on the season.