NASHVILLE — In their first two trips to the football state championship, the Nashville Hornets brought home the second place trophy, including in 2019. Friday, the Hornets are headed back to Huskie Stadium in DeKalb to try to bring home the school’s first football state championship.

Nashville will face unbeaten Wilmington Friday at 1:00. The Hornets fell to Newman Central Catholic 35-14 in the 2019 championship game. A few players on this year’s team saw significant playing time in that game, while several others dressed and were on the sidelines. The players and coaches say that experience two years ago will help the second time around.

The Hornets will have to solve a potent Wildcats’ rushing attack. Nashville head coach Stephen Kozuszek says the Hornets are familiar with the double wing having run it many years ago, but Wilmington runs it differently and unlike anything his club has seen this season. Wildcats’ starting quarterback Ryder Meents is 2-10 for 51 yards. Wilmington has thrown only 13 passes as a team all season.