Published: November 25, 2008 10:43 am         

Winona Christian falls in MPSA Class A Playoffs

Winona Christian School saw its hopes for a Mississippi Private School Association Class A State Championship go by the wayside on Friday night, with a 31-6 road loss to DeSoto School in West Helena, Ark.

The Stars finished the season at 8-3 on the year, but were able to pick up a pair of playoff wins before bowing out to the Thunderbirds.

DeSoto led 6-0 after one quarter of play and 19-0 at the half. The lone Winona score of the game came in the third quarter when Michael Tompkins scored on a 7-yard run. Five different DeSoto players scored touchdowns in the game.

Two championships will be decided in the Mississippi Private School Association when East Rankin Academy in Pelahatchie plays host to the AA and A Championship Games on Saturday.

Glenbrook (La.) faces DeSoto (Ark.) for the MPSA A Championship at 11 a.m., while the MPSA AA Championship Game between Centreville and Kirk is set to kick off at 5 p.m.

Glenbrook got a chance to defend its state championships by stunning previously undefeated Porter's Chapel Academy of Vicksburg 30-7. Glenbrook's previous playoff wins came over Central Hinds (44-7) and Sylva-Bay (33-14). All three of Glenbrook's playoff games have been at home.

DeSoto defeated Tunica Institute 34-14 and Hebron Christian 33-13 to set up the match-up with Winona Christian.

In Class AA, Kirk earned it's spot in the title game by beating Clarksdale Lee 7-6. Kirk also has playoff wins over Marshall (23-10) and Canton (21-0).

Centreville, who like Kirk has yet to play away from home in the playoffs, beat Oak Forest 17-14 to earn the right to defend its state championship.

Centreville beat River Oaks 39-8 in the first round and Bowling Green 21-10 in the second.

Jackson Prep won the AAA Division I title, while Washington School won the AAA Division II crown.