The Ariton Purple Cats advanced to the third round of AHSAA State Playoffs on Friday for the first time since 1993 after knocking off Cottage Hill Christian 36-27.

Bryson Peavy and Daniel Hicks accounted for five Purple Cat touchdowns, in what was a back-and-forth win.

Peavy led the Purple Cats with 250 yards  and had three touchdowns. Hicks added 75 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns.

On the defensive side, Jackson Blair finished the game with nine tackles.

The Purple Cats will now travel to Highland Home to take on the Flying Squadron next Friday night beginning at 7 p.m.