CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — December 6, 2025 — Pearl-Cohn showed grit and offensive firepower in the TSSAA Class 4A BlueCross Bowl on Saturday morning, refusing to back down against perennial powerhouse Alcoa before falling 47–27 at Finley Stadium.

After a rocky start that saw Alcoa jump out to a 21–7 lead in the first quarter, the Firebirds regrouped and delivered one of their most balanced offensive performances of the season.

Quarterback Josef “LJ” Funk was sensational, completing 23 of 32 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. His poise kept Pearl-Cohn in the fight, even as Alcoa’s defense and special teams struck early. Funk said in the post-game interview, “We had a good game plan, but just couldn’t get behind the chain. We knew Alcoa was a great team. We knew we needed to play an almost perfect game to keep Alcoa from capitalizing on our mistakes, and unfortunately, we made a few too many mistakes”.

Funk spread the ball to multiple targets, connecting with Ladamion Hunter for a 13-yard score in the first quarter, then finding Omarion Starnes for touchdowns of 25 and 21 yards. Starnes finished with five catches for 81 yards and two scores, while Landan Left added a 17-yard touchdown grab late in the fourth. Hunter and Left combined for 10 receptions and two touchdowns, showcasing Pearl-Cohn’s depth at receiver.

On the ground, the Firebirds churned out 74 rushing yards, led by Lance Donaldson’s 37 yards on just four carries. Left contributed in multiple ways, totaling 151 all-purpose yards thanks to rushing, receiving, and kick returns.

Defensively, Pearl-Cohn fought to contain Alcoa’s explosive attack. Karmelo League led the unit with nine tackles and a sack, while Left added eight stops and a fumble recovery. The Firebirds forced two fumbles and recorded two sacks against one of the state’s most disciplined offensive lines.

Pearl-Cohn’s resilience was evident in the third quarter when Funk’s second touchdown to Starnes cut the deficit to 33–21, giving the Firebirds momentum and hope. Even after Alcoa answered with two late scores, Pearl-Cohn capped its day with a touchdown drive in the final minutes, refusing to go quietly.

Despite disappointment and frustration after the loss, Funk reflected on what was ultimately important to remember about being one of 12 Division I high schools to make the final game: “What I will take with me from this game is to not take anything for granted. My next season of football is my senior year. When I was a freshman in high school and in middle school, it felt like I had all the time in the world. Now I want to make all moments count.”

The Firebirds finish the season 10–5, marking back-to-back BlueCross Bowl appearances and cementing their status as one of Tennessee’s premier programs. With a dynamic passing game and a defense that never quit, Pearl-Cohn proved it belongs on the biggest stage.

Final Score: Alcoa 47, Pearl-Cohn 27
Site: Finley Stadium, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Records: Pearl-Cohn (10–5), Alcoa (14–1)