Chavis Gregory of the Tenaha Tigers knows what sacrifice and hard work is all about. The senior running back who has been on varsity every since he was a freshman is three games away from accomplishing something he did two years ago: acquire a state championship.

Gregory is an all-purpose player whose performances in the playoffs this year have been nothing short of spectacular. In his last two games against the Frost Polar Bears and last week against the Chilton Pirates, Gregory has 26 rushes for 327 yards and eight TDs.

In the game against Frost, he didn’t play in the second half after rushing for 152 yards and four scores on just seven carries.

On defense from his safety position he has 13 tackles and on special teams he’s valuable as a returner and a punter. His punt of 68 yards pinned the Pirates back at their own twelve that lead to an interception and his 44-yard TD run on the ensuing play put the game away.

“Chavis is a special player for us and he’s been that way all year,” Tigers coach Terry Ward said. “And when we need something done, he does it for us. He’s been with us for four years and he’s a physical back and I’m proud of him.”

For the season, Gregory has rushed 114 times for 1,199 yards and has 16 TDs.

“I just go out and try to do my best to help my team win,” Gregory said. “My offensive line always does a good job blocking for me and I just go from there.”

Gregory and the Tenaha Tigers hope to pick up a win and keep the dream season going as they battle the Bremond Tigers in the Class 1A Division II state quarterfinals at Sam Houston State’s Bowers Stadium in Huntsville. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. today.