Tensas Academy jumped out to a 21-0 first-half lead and went on to defeat Woodland Hills 27-14 in an Academy Class A playoff game Friday night.

A balanced offense and an aggressive defense that forced five turnovers proved to be the difference for the Chiefs. They had 136 rushing yards and 140 passing yards.

&uot;We jumped on them early. That was definitely a big plus,&uot; said Tensas head football coach Chris Jacobs.

Tensas scored twice in the first quarter on a six-yard run by Lee Hale and 33-yard return of a blocked punt by David Crigler.

The Chiefs scored in the second quarter on a 19-yard pass from Crigler to Christopher Doyle to take a 21-0 lead.

&uot;On offense, we came at them all the time. We played pretty well on both sides of the ball,&uot; Jacobs said.

Woodland Hills tried to come back in the game on a 27-yard run by Wesley Edwards in the second quarter and a 20-yard run by Maurice Reed in the third quarter to trail only 21-14.

The Chiefs then ended Woodland Hills’ comeback hopes as Crigler scored on a nine-yard run in the third quarter.

&uot;We forced them to run. Our pass defense was wonderful,&uot; Jacobs said. &uot;They had some talent out there. We were happy to keep Reed to 81 (rushing) yards.&uot;

Tensas improved to 9-2 and will play Mount Olive, who defeated Glenbrook 35-6 Friday night.

&uot;Mount Olive is more of a running team. We’ve got to be able to outscore them. We haven’t scored on them in the last three games,&uot; Jacobs said.