‘SO MAGICAL.’ George County captures state championship with TD on final play
Revenge is best when it comes with a ring.
George County took down reigning champion St. Martin, 12-6, in Saturday’s rematch of last year’s state championship thanks to a final play connection between Lani McDoniel and Ava Hall.
The Rebels needed 19 yards with four seconds remaining in a deadlocked title game. McDoniel took a pitch from the upback and fired downfield to a well-covered Hall. The freshman leapt and snatched the ball over Yellow Jackets defender D’Kennedi Jenkins at the goal line and trotted into the end zone and quickly into the bottom of a dog pile.
“Everybody had tears shed today,” George County coach Lane Scott said after the game. “It was so magical knowing how hard we worked to get here and get back to this position. For it to end the way it did, we just feel like we deserved it. It’s amazing being a state champion.”
George County’s winning drive began at the eight-yard line after its defense held for four downs with its back against the wall.
Hall, who also caught George County’s first touchdown in the opening half, began the possession with a 30-plus yard gain to reach midfield. The Rebels were later faced with a fourth down in the final moments, but were given one more chance at a Gold Ball due to a defensive pass interference call.
“She’s incredible, she’s such a competitor,” Scott said. “It’s crazy for her to be so mature being a freshman. She’s amazing to have, and the sky is the limit for her.”
George County reached the three-game, one-day playoff at Mississippi College by defeating district champion Biloxi in the opening round.
It began the day with a 19-12 win over Brandon and clinched a return to the final round with a 26-0 win over Laurel. The Rebels finish the season with an 8-1 record.
St. Martin arrived in Jackson after defeating the champion of George County’s district in Pascagoula. It then forced two mercy rule finishes with a 54-0 stomping of McComb and a 35-0 win against Hattiesburg.
