The Ariton Purple Cats knocked off Chickasaw 40-19 in the opening round of the Class 2A State Playoffs on Friday night.

The Purple Cats advance past the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

The Purple Cats outscored the Chieftains by 20 points in the opening half and went into the locker room at halftime holding a 27-7 lead. The Purple Cats added 13 more points in the second half to secure the first round win.

Ariton’s offense put up 434 total yards on Friday night. 268 of them came on the ground. Brian Smith rushed for 153 yards and had one touchdown to lead the Purple Cat rushing attack. Maddux Herring finished with 42 yards, while Blake Carroll had 30.

Herring completed nine of his 17 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Hayes Floyd hauled in four catches for 72 yards and he had two touchdowns. Cade Webb added two catches for 60 yards.

Carroll led the Eagles defense with 13 tackles.

The Purple Cats advance to round two where they host LaFayette next Friday night. The Bulldogs defeated New Brockton on Friday night 27-7.