The Shelby Academy Raiders find themselves in a familiar situation playing for the AISA 1A state football championship.

By going on the road and eliminating the Autauga Academy team that eliminated them from the playoffs last year, the Raiders will play for the state title against South Choctaw Academy this Friday at 4 p.m. at Troy University.

The Raiders thumped Autauga Academy 32-14 last Friday night in a manner that has become typical for the Raiders.

It was a low scoring close ball game at first that was not secured by the Raiders until the fourth quarter.

Shelby Academy head football coach DeWayne Kervin noted the play, however, of his standout runners Cody Wilson and Rick McBride, who both made all-star status this season.

Wilson rushed 21 times for 105 yards and three touchdowns while McBride rushed 21 times for 90 yards and a TD.

Quarterback Brad Lovoy who suffered an ankle injury and bouts with kidney stones this season also got back into good form completing two of five passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders scored first on a 10-yard run by Wilson to take a 6-0 lead in the second quarter.

But things got intense as both teams scored two touchdowns in the third quarter.

The Raiders scored on a 45-yard pass from Lovoy to Miles Waits and a 5-yard Wilson run.

Autauga Academy scored on a 7-yard run and a 5-yard run to make it a 20-14 ball game.

But the Raiders fought back scoring in the fourth quarter on a 4-yard Wilson run and a 3-yard dash by McBride.

The Raiders (10-2) will now face South Choctaw Academy (10-2) .

The last time the Raiders faced South Choctaw Academy was Oct. 13 of this year on the road. The Raiders came up short in that contest 39-32.

Kervin aid, &8220;We know now after playing them what&8217;s they&8217;ve got.&8221;

He also said, &8220;We think we&8217;re capable of beating them.&8221;