By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

RINGGOLD– The Troup Tigers are moving on.

Troup dominated Heritage-Catoosa 31-7 on Friday night in the opening round of the Class AAAA state playoffs.

For much of the first half, it was a defensive slug-fest between Troup and Heritage.

The Tigers were clinging to a 3-0 lead when quarterback Montez Crowe found Jamari Thrash for a long touchdown pass with less than a minute left in the first half.

Carson Wreyford, who made a field goal earlier in the half to put Troup on top, made the extra point, and Troup took a 10-0 lead into the half.

The second half was all Troup.

With 9:54 to play in the third quarter, Crowe threw a touchdown pass to Kobe Hudson, and Troup led 17-0.

After a Hudson interception, the Tigers drove for another touchdown, with Trey Williams scoring on a 1-yard run.

With 7:03 remaining in the third quarter, Troup’s lead was 24-0.

Later in the quarter, the Tigers showed off their big-play ability when Crowe threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Mark-Anthony Dixon, and Troup led 31-0.

Following a Troup fumble, Heritage scored its lone touchdown, and it was a 31-7 game through three quarters.

Next up for Troup will be St. Pius, which beat West Hall to advance to the second round.

St. Pius, the number one team from Region 8-AAAA, will host the game on Friday.

Troup is looking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.

OF NOTE: For much more on Friday’s game, check out Monday’s sports section.