>> WELCOME TO THE 2024 CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM.

I AM HANNAH GOODIN AND WE WILL CROWN EIGHT BOYS AND FOUR GIRL CHAMPIONS AT THREE NEWCOMERS INTO TEAMS LOOKING TO GO BACK TO BACK TO BACK IN PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN AND BOWED IN.

FOR THE GIRLS, COMING UP TODAY AT NOON WITH THE DIVISION I FLAG FOOTBALL GAME BETWEEN SOUTHEAST BULLOCH AND COLUMBUS WITH THE YELLOW JACKETS LOOKING FOR FOUR IN A ROW.

AND WITH GREENBRIER AND NORTH OCONEE TRYING TO DEFEND THE TITLE FROM LAST YEAR.

WITH THE BOYS IN THE NUMBER 2 DIVISION WITH THE RED DEVILS LOOKING TO WHEN THOSE THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW.

AT 7:00, THE WAR EAGLES ARE LOADED WITH TITLES BUT HAVE NEVER PLAYED.

CAN THEY HANDLE THE BIG STAGE?

WE WILL FIND OUT SOON.

FOR NOW, LET'S GET THINGS STARTED WITH THE GIRLS.

IT IS THE SOUTHEAST BULLOCH YELLOW JACKETS VERSUS THE COLUMBUS BLUE DEVILS.

LET'S GO, GIRLS.

> >> IT MAY BE MONDAY BUT IT FEELS LIKE THE START OF THE WEEKEND AND THE MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM.

THE SOUTHEAST BULLOCH YELLOW JACKETS LOOKING FOR THE 4th STRAIGHT TITLE MEANWHILE THE COLUMBUS BLUE DEVILS LOOKING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

JOHN NELSON WILL JOIN US ON THE SIDELINE.

IT IS THE 5th YEAR OF FLAG FOOT WILL.

IN CASE FANS NEED A REMINDER OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TACKLE AND FLAG, WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

>> THE FIELD IS 40 YARDS WIDE AND 80 YARDS LONG.

410 MINUTE QUARTERS WITH THE RUNNING CLOCK.

SIMILAR TO TACKLE FOOTBALL WITH INCOMPLETE PASSES AND SCORES AND SO FORTH.

PLAYERS CATCH A FORWARD PASS FROM THE WAIVER WHEREVER THEY ARE ON THE FIELD.

THINK OF BASKETBALL WHERE THEY CANNOT INITIATE CONTACT WITH OPPONENTS AND THERE WILL BE SCREEN BLOCKING TODAY.

>> I DON'T THINK THERE IS A PROGRAM ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY IS DOMINANT AS SOUTHEAST BULLOCH IS AT 81 AND 1.

>> IS SUPER TALENTED TEAM IN RECEIVING YARDS AND TOUCHDOWNS.

SUPER ATHLETIC AND ALL OVER THE FIELD.

THE QUARTERBACK CAN FLY AROUND THE FIELD.

7 INTERCEPTIONS AND SHE CARRIES HERSELF ON THE FLAG FOOT BALL FIELD.

I EXPECT ODOM TO BE ALL OVER.

>> COLUMBUS IS ALSO A BREEDING GROUND FOR GREAT FLAG FOOTBALL.

IN SERENITY HICKMAN FROM THE BLUE DEVILS >> THE 1st TIME PLAYING QUARTERBACK AND SHE CAN RUN AND SHE CAN THROW AND CAN TAKE WHATEVER THE DEFENSE GIVES HER.

AND THERE IS A STRONG SIDE LINEBACKER ON EVERY PLAY.

THE AMOUNT OF CONFIDENCE IS NOTICEABLE AND CONTAGIOUS.

IF THE BLUE DEVILS KNOCK OFF THE DEFENDING STATE CHAMPIONS, SERENITY HICKMAN WILL HAVE AN IMPACT.

>> WE ARE READY FOR FLAG DIVISION I AND YOU COME THE YELLOW JACKETS.

>> AND THE COLUMBUS SCHOOL DEVILS, THE DUE CLAIM ONE STATE TITLE IN 2019 LED BY HEAD COACH CHRIS GREER.

THEY WON THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSORED BY THE ATLANTA FALCONS BEFORE GHSA SANCTIONED IT.

HE'S A COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE CLASS OF 2010.

STARTED PLAYING FOOTBALL IN COLLEGE AT COLUMBUS STATE AND NOW COACHING THE FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM AT HIS ALMA MATER.

THE BLUE DEVILS 20 TO AN 6 WITH A RUN AT THE PLAYOFFS.

THIS AFTER LOSS TO HARRIS COUNTY.

AND FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH, MARCI COCHRAN IS THE COACH.

HER RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

SHE AND HER HUSBAND NICK TEAM UP WITH THREE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

AND TAKING DOWN NORTH OCONEE.

FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH, WE ARE SO USED TO SEEING THE SAME FACES YEAR AFTER YEAR, BUT WAS A TURNOVER.

YOU CAN SEE AND HER OLDER SISTER PLAYED HERE BEFORE SHE WENT TO COLLEGE.

LET'S GO TO THE SIDELINE.

>> MOUNT UNION TERRITORY.

IN A NON-REGION MAKE UP GAME AGAINST CALVARY DAY, I WOULD BE IN TREATMENT TO TEAMS WITH GREAT OFFENSES AND DEFENSES WITH WHICH SIDE SHOWS UP.

WE WILL FIND OUT AS WE KICK IT OFF HERE AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM.

>> AND HERE WE GO, COLUMBUS WON THE TOSS AND SO SOUTHEAST BULLOCH TO START.

THESE ARE ZONES TO GAIN AND IT'S NOT A 1st AND 10 SITUATION.

IT IS THE 1st DOWN AND 18 YARDS.

YOU HAVE TO GET TO MIDFIELD ON TACKLE.

HERE COMES THE PITCH AND LOOKING TO THROW AND IT IS INTERCEPTED BY ALLIE LOFTON IN HER 16th PICK OF THE SEASON.

>> NO SURPRISE AS IT KIND OF FORCES THE BALL DOWNFIELD TOO MUCH.

HIGHLIGHTING WHAT SOMEBODY HAS ON THE OPENING SET BUT ALLY LOFTON COME AROUND FOR THE BLUE DEVILS.

>> AND THE QUARTERBACK SERENITY HICKMAN UP THE LEFT SIDE WITH SPACE ACROSS THE 30 YARD LINE.

DOWN THE SIDELINE AND INSIDE THE FINAL ZONE.

1st AND GOAL FOR COLUMBUS.

QUITE A RUN THERE TO START.

>> IT IS A TRADITIONAL OFFENSE FOR FLAG FOOTBALL.

THE PROBLEM WITH TRIPLE OPTION IS IF YOU MAKE ONE PERSON MISS, THEY ARE A FIELD FOR A BIG GAME.

>> AND HICKMAN GAZING OVER HER SHOULDER.

1st AND GOAL FROM THE 18.

A WHILE BACK, THEY WILL SAY SHE WAS KNOCKED DOWN AND COMING AROUND TO THE LEFT IS SOPHIA BUSSEY AND HER FLAG WAS PULLED AT THE 14 YARD LINE ON THIS FLAG FOOTBALL FIELD.

>> WE ARE LOOKING AT THE EDGE 1st.

WE ARE GOING TO THE GROUND LOOKING TO FIND THAT NEXT PERSON TO PASS THE BALL.

WITH FUMBLES AND THE BALL HITS THE GROUND ON THE PLAY.

>> HICKMAN STICKS INTO IT AND IT'S INCOMPLETE.

LOOKING AT THE OFFENSE OF STARTERS FOR COLUMBUS.

WILL NOTICE SOPHIA BUSSEY, A FRESHMAN.

THEY'RE AT CENTER.

>> A LOT OF UNDERCLASSMEN THERE FOR THE BLUE DEVILS.

AGAIN, THEY ARE STAR-STUDDED.

>> 3rd AND GOAL AND THEY'VE GOT TO GET TO THE 10 YARD LINE AND THAT IS THE END ZONE.

NOT MUCH THERE FOR ALLY LOFTON AFTER THAT CATCH.

NOW 4th AND GOAL AND THERE ARE NO FIELD GOALS IN FLAG FOOTBALL.

THEY GO TO THE END ZONE.

AS YOU CAN SEE, SHE HAS THROWN OVER 4000 YARDS.

YOU CAN EXPECT THEM TO GO TO THE AIR WITH BUNCH FORMATION.

IT IS HIGH AND INCOMPLETE.

NATAYLA ODOM BROKE UP WHAT COULD'VE BEEN CARMINE FRANKLIN'S 26 TOUCHDOWN CATCH OF THE YEAR.

>> AGAIN THE BALL DOES NOT COME DOWN THERE WITH THAT ONE.

FOR THE YELLOW JACKETS AND DEFENSE, A VERY NICE JOB OF GETTING OFF THE FIELD, A SHORT FIELD ON DEFENSE >> AND THE QUARTERBACK WITH A COUPLE OF NICE PLAYS IN THAT SERIES.

AND SOUTHEAST BULLOCH TAKES OVER AND THE LINE TO GAIN IS THE PAINTED 30.

THAT FROM KITCHENS OFF OFFENSIVELY.

LET'S LOOK AT THE SOUTHEAST OFFENSE.

THE DAUGHTER OF HEAD COACH MARCI COCHRAN AND YOU SEE THE RECEIVING CORPS.

ALL UNDERCLASSMEN AND NO SENIORS OUTSIDE OF JACI KITCHINGS.

IT IS BATTED DOWN AND LOOKING FOR NATAYLA ODOM.

AND NOW THE COLUMBUS DEFENSE AVERAGING SIX POINTS PER GAME WITH A COUPLE OF RUSHERS UPFRONT WITH TEST WILLIS AND ALISHA WILLIAMS.

AND ALLY LOFTON OR ALEXANDRIA LOFTON.

3rd DOWN AND 12 TO GO.

WAITING ON THE SNAP.

THERE IT GOES.

UNDER PRESSURE AND, DUMPS IT OFF TO JACI KITCHINGS.

A HARD TACKLE.

IT LOOKED LIKE LAURA CARRUTHERS WAS REACHING FOR THE FLAG AND TOOK DOWN JACI KITCHINGS IN THE PROCESS.

WE WILL HAVE A FLAG TO STOP THE PLAY AND CHECK ON JACI KITCHINGS.

>> IN A NONCONTACT SPORT HERE, NO WRONG INTENT GOING FOR THE FLAG BELT AND AWFULLY PHYSICAL AND WE WILL HAVE WHAT IS CALLED A PERSONAL FOUL WITH CONTACT HERE.

WE WILL TACK THAT ON FROM THE END OF THE RUN AND IT MAY BE A 1st DOWN FOR THE YELLOW JACKETS.

>> DO YOU SEE ANY NEFARIOUS INTENT?

>> NO, SHE'S TRYING TO PULL THE FLAG BELT.

SHE WILL BE BACK.

>> AND WE SEE JACI KITCHINGS UP AND WALKING IT OFTEN REGARDLESS OF INTENT, IT IS A PERSONAL FOUL, RIGHT?

>> YEAH, I WOULD HOPE SO.

>> ALL RIGHT, SO, AFTER THE RUN IT WILL BE A 1st DOWN FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

3rd DOWN AND LIKELY FACING A PUNTING SITUATION.

>> A BIG BREAK FOR THE YELLOW JACKETS TO PICK UP THAT EXTRA 10 YARDS FOR A 1st DOWN.

IN A BAD SPOT AT 3rd DOWN AT THEIR OWN GOAL LINE.

>> THAT WAS 2nd DOWN TO GET TO THE 30 YARD LINE.

AND IN THE BACKFIELD WITH A SACK FOR TEST WILLIS.

SHE HAS 27 NOW ON THE YEAR.

>> SUPER FAST AND WITH THE LOOKS FOR THE COLUMBUS DEFENSE.

ONE IS A SPOT AND ONE IS A GO GETTER AND ABLE TO GET A SPOT FOR THE PERSON RESTING.

>> NOW 2nd DOWN AND 20 TO.

LOOK AT THE NUMBERS ON THE SEASON FOR TESS WILLIS.

AS YOU SAID, SHE IS THE GO GETTER.

SHE PULLS THE FLAG THAT TIME.

THAT WAS NELSON.

>> AND THEIR ARE THE NUMBERS FOR BARON.

SHE IS THE PRIMARY PASSER.

AND A LOT OF TIME HERE ON 3rd AND LONG.

SHE'S GOT TO CHECK IT.

>> THAT QUARTERBACK CAN STAY RIGHT THERE ROLLING TO THE LEFT AND STILL HAVING EYES DOWNFIELD AND LOOKING FOR THE RECEIVER.

A NICE JOB EXTENDING THE PLAY WITH PRESSURE UPFRONT FOR THE BLUE DEVILS.

>> AND OFF OF THE POND, THAT IS KAYLA ADAMS.

GREAT BALL DOWN THE FIELD AND THAT WAS WILLIAMS ON THE STOP.

COLUMBUS TAKES IT OVER AND SO FAR THE COLUMBUS DEFENSE HAS PLAYED WELL.

>> GETTING ON AND OFF THE FIELD BOTH TIMES QUICKLY.

THE YELLOW JACKETS WITH THEIR NORMAL OPTION AND TRYING TO PASS DOWNFIELD.

HERE POINT, COMING OUT RIGHT HOW THEY WANT TO.

>> SO 1st AND 9 FOR COLUMBUS.

HICKMAN PUNCHES IT OUT AND THE BALL TOUCHES THE GROUND AND IT IS THEREFORE DEAD AND NO GAIN.

NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SOUTHEAST BULLOCH DEFENSE.

JADYN WILLIAMS AND TENNIS BE UPFRONT.

NOW SET LINEBACKING AND NATAYLA ODOM MOVING FROM QUARTERBACK TO SAFETY POSITION THIS SEASON.

A LOSS OF ONE AND ACROSS TO HARMONY FRANKLIN.

AND THE FLAG POLL.

>> NICE JOB.

WE ARE SETTING UP THE PREVIOUS PLAY IN THE FUMBLES GO RIGHT BACK TO IT.

YOU CAN SEE THE FLAT UP SPEED ON THE EDGE FOR FRANKLIN.

>> IS GOOD TO SEE JACI KITCHINGS BACK IN HER QUARTER POSITION AFTER GOING DOWN.

AND IT'S OVER TO HARMONY FRANKLIN AND THEY SPOT HER A YARD SHORT.

WHAT A PULL.

KELSEY JOHNSON FORCING A FORK DOWN.

IT'S NOT NECESSARILY A GUARANTEED POND.

>> A RULE CHANGE THIS YEAR.

THE NEW ZONE IS TWO YARDS.

A 4TH-DOWN GIVES ADVANTAGE TO THE OFFENSE.

>> IT COULD BE THE FINAL PLAY OF THE QUARTER.

4th DOWN AND 1 IN COLUMBUS IS BUNCHED NEAR THE LINE.

TESS GOES TO HARMONY FLIGHT FRANKLIN.

GAINING MORE THAN SHE NEEDED OUT TO THE 31 YARD LINE.

THAT IS THE END OF THE 1st QUARTER AND 10 YARDS FROM HARMONY FRANKLIN.

IT WILL BE 1st AND 11.

AND SOUTHEAST BULLOCH AND COLUMBUS.

THE YELLOW JACKETS AND BLUE DEVILS FINALS UNDERWAY AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM.

> >> FOOTBALL FREIGHTERS IN GEORGIA PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

BUT YOUR PHONE DOWN WHEN DRIVING SAVES LIVES.

>> TIME FOR THE 2nd QUARTER AND THE DIVISION 1 FLAG FOR ALL.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH YELLOW JACKETS TAKING ON THE COLUMBUS BLUE DEVILS.

>> YOU WILL SEE HER NOT ONLY SNEAKY AND FAST WITH HER ABILITY BUT ALSO REALLY GOOD HANDS.

AND ON DEFENSE, HELPING AGAINST THE YELLOW JACKET TRIPLE OPTION IN THAT SPACE WILL BE CRITICAL FOR HER ON DEFENSE AS WELL.

>> SO, SERENITY HICKMAN AT QUARTERBACK.

ALSO A LACROSSE PLAYER AT COLUMBUS.

SHE IS DEEP.

SHE HAS GOT WIGGINS IN FRONT OF HER.

BULLOCK SENDS RUSHERS INTO DOUBLE COVERAGE AND IT'S BROKEN UP.

A NICE JOB CLOSING AND NATAYLA ODOM GIVES HER A HUG.

>> DEEP IN THE CHAMPIONSHIPS IS NOT GOING TO BACK DOWN TAKING THEIR SHOTS AS WELL FORCING THE BALL DOWNFIELD SHOWING IT OFF BY HICKMAN.

THE ONE WE HAVE TO GO TO EVERY SINGLE TIME WITH DOUBLE COVERAGE.

>> THAT IS HARMONY FRANKLIN ON 3rd DOWN AND 11 AND THE 7th PLAY OF THE DRIVE.

>> YOU ARE STAYING ON TIP AND ON TRACK CUTTING IT DOWN TO MAKE IT MANAGEABLE.

THEY WANT TO CHOP THIS DISTANCE IN HALF.

>> THANKS TO LEFT AND A DIVING POLL.

GREAT HANDS FROM KRISTIANA TISBY.

>> WE ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE PITCH, BUT EVERYBODY ELSE, DO YOUR JOB AND A NICE JOB THERE.

>> NOW, WHAT ARE YOUR DECISIONS HERE IF YOU ARE COLUMBUS.

THEY GO FOR IT?

>> A RULE CHANGE HERE WITH THREE TIMEOUTS.

A BIG STRATEGY DIFFERENCE FOR THE COACHING STAFFS.

IN YEARS PAST, THE CLOCK KEEPS RUNNING.

AGAIN, THE WAY THE COLUMBUS DEFENSE IS GOING.

>> AND YOU CAN SEE MARCI COCHRAN.

IN THE LOSS AGAINST CALVARY DAY WHO DID NOT MAKE THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND TAKEN OUT OF THE SEMI FINALS FOR DIVISION 2.

IT WAS NOT A REGION BUT A DISTRICT MAKEUP GAME.

THE 1st LOSS IN SOUTHEAST BULLOCH HISTORY WITH A 77 GAME WINNING STREAK.

YOU CAN SEE THAT SO MANY YEARS AGO.

>> YOU LOSE THAT 1st ONE AND IT TAKES PRESSURE OFF.

THE ALUMNI ARE SUPPORTIVE OF THE CURRENT YELLOW JACKETS.

>> AND THEIR IS CHRISTIAN GRIER.

COLUMBUS GOING FOR IT AND HARMONY FRANKLIN IS SHUT DOWN.

A GREAT JOB OF BAWLING UP THAT SIDELINE.

IN POSITION TO SPOIL THAT EXTRA PITCH.

>> EVEN IF YOU DROP BACK, YOU STILL HAVE THAT OPTION.

RUNS OUT THERE ALONG THE SIDELINE AND AGAIN GET YOUR DEFENSE.

>> AND JOHNSON WAS OUT AS FAST AS THE BALL CARRIER.

>> A GREAT DEFENSIVE PLAY.

>> IT IS 1st AND 11 AND THIS GOES TO BARON WHO IS IN TROUBLE AND HAS TO GET BACK TO IT.

>> SHE HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL WITH STATE TITLE AFTER STATE TITLE.

>> THE YOUNG SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK AGAIN TAKING OVER BY COMING BACK TO KEEP THAT YELLOW JACKET FROM FALLING THROUGH.

>> WITH 2nd COMPLETION.

THE MORE THEY GET FROM NATAYLA ODOM.

>> IT IS BEING PATIENT.

AND YOU CAN SEE THE ARM STRENGTH FOR STAYING IN THE POCKET.

>> 3rd DOWN AND 3.

DID NELSON PICK IT UP?

SHE DID NOT.

4th AND 2.

NOW DECISION TIME FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

>> EVEN IF YOU DON'T GET THE LINE, IT'S A LONG 1st DOWN FOR THE OTHER TEAM.

>> THE YELLOW JACKETS LOOKING FOR THEIR 1st 1st DOWN OF THE GAME.

4th AND 2.

NELSON LUNCHES FORWARD AND THEY ARE GOING TO SPARK HER SHORT GIVING HER THE TURNOVER ON DOWNS.

>> A LOT OF BODIES IN THE SAME SPACE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD.

IT IS SPEED ON SPEED.

YOU CANNOT INITIATE CONTACT AND RUN THROUGH THE OPPONENT RIGHT THERE ON THE PLAY.

WHEN THE FLAG IS PULLED, THE OFFICIALS ARE SHORT.

>> IT DOES SET UP A 1st AND NIGHT TEEN.

WITH GREAT BALL MOVEMENT THAT TIME.

AND ALLY LOFTON WITH IT IN HER HANDS AND THEY PICK UP SEVEN YARDS.

>> SHOWING SPEED BETWEEN NUMBER 4 AND NUMBER 11.

PICKING UP SEVERAL MORE YARDS THAN KIND OF WHERE THE BLUE DEVILS HAVE BEEN GOING.

>> SHE HAS GOOD HANDS TOO AND THE LAST PLAYER OF THE THREE PLAYERS STACK.

AND THAT TO HARMONY FRANKLIN AND IF THAT WAS CAUGHT ON THE FLY BY KAYLA ADAMS, IT WOULD HAVE HIT THE GROUND.

>> LOSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HARMONY AND THE QUARTERBACK THERE.

COLUMBUS IS STAYING WITH THEIR OFFENSE AND THE TRIPLE OPTION AS THEY HAD INTO THE 2nd QUARTER.

>> 3rd DOWN FROM 12.

TAKES A SHOT AND LOFTON IS OPEN AND IT'S OFF HER FOOT IN A COLLISION.

SHE IS GRABBING AT THAT RIGHT SHIN.

SHE HAD IT OFF OF HER LEFT HAND.

>> THIS IS A 40 YARD BOMB HERE DOWN THE FIELD.

FLAT-FOOTED AND AGAIN SHOWING OFF RIGHT THERE.

SORT OF HITTING HER ARM RIGHT THERE.

>> INTO PLAYERS GOING HIGH SPEED THAT TIME.

>> WE WILL SEE HOW QUICKLY SHE CAN RECOVER.

AGAIN, IF THE BLUE DEVILS ARE GOING TO SCORE OFFENSE AND MAKE PLAYS, THEY WILL BE UNDER 11 OUT THERE FLYING AROUND.

>> NOW, SHE STILL WANTS TO PLAY BUT SINCE WE HAD AN INJURY TIMEOUT, WE WILL SEE IF SHE CAN SLIDE OFF THE FIELD FOR A 2nd.

>> THIS 4th AND 12, IF YOU ARE COACH GRIER, WOULD YOU TAKE A TIMEOUT?

>> YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BUT WE WILL WAIT AND SEE.

>> THEY REALLY WANT HER ON THE FIELD FOR THIS PLAY.

>> YOU ARE ON IT, DAVE, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO LET ALLY LOFTON STAY ON THE FIELD.

HERE WE GO WITH FORCED DOWN AND 12 AND THEY PICK IT UP WITHOUT THEIR BEST PLAYER.

ONLY SIX PLAYERS ON THE FIELD AND NOW A TIMEOUT IS CALLED.

>> I'M NOT SURPRISED THAT COACH GRIER DO NOT HAVE A GAME PLAN TO MAKE IT AN AGGRESSIVE PLAN FOR THE GAME.

>> UNTIL EARLIER THIS YEAR, HE WAS THE NUMBER ONE ASSISTANT FOR A TACKLE FOOTBALL TEAM.

WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT TWO GUYS IN COLOR CHARGE.

COACH RILEY AND JOHN WERE KNOCKING ON HIS DOOR.

IF YOU NEED HELP, WE NEED OUR REPS GOING.

YOU END UP WITH A FORMER NFL PLAYER AND TWO GUYS WITH FLAG FOOTBALL ON THE BASE TO GET THE PROGRAM TO WHERE IT IS THIS YEAR.

>> THAT'S GREAT STUFF.

AS YOU SAID, YOU'VE GOT A 1ST-CLASS SERGEANT AND THE STAFF STARTED.

NOT JUST FLAG FOOTBALL AND IN LEADERSHIP AND WITH LOFTON NOT AVAILABLE, THEY HAVE A PUNT COMING AND ALLY LOFTON IS THE NORMAL PUNTER AS WELL.

INSTEAD, IT'S GOING TO BE A PUNT INTO THE END ZONE AND THAT WILL BE ATTACHED BACK.

IT WAS KATIE KNIPHFER WHO STEPPED IN AND PUNTED.

>> A LITTLE TOO FAR BUT WITH A TOUCH BACK TO THE 14 YARD LINE.

>> SO, IT IS 1st AND 6.

IT'S GOING TO BE TRICKY TO KEEP UP THOSE YARD LINES WITH THE TACKLE PUT ALL FIELD.

FLAG IS PLAYED ON AN 80 YARD FIELD AND IT IS 14.

>> THERE IS NO SAFETY VALVE WITH 1st DOWN YARDAGE FOR JACI KITCHINGS.

>> THREE TIMEOUTS AS WE STAY WITH THE NORMAL OFFENSE.

A NICE JOB CONTINUING TO DODGE THE OPPONENT.

THERE WE GO WITH KITCHINGS OUT THERE ALL DAY LONG AND A GOOD PICKUP.

>> 1st IN 19 FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

TAKING OFF, HERE COMES BARRON TRIED TO SPLIT THE DEFENSE.

HARMONY FRANKLIN SAYS NO, THAT'S AS FAR AS YOU GET ON THAT ONE.

>> KEEPING THE BACK HALF OF THE 2nd QUARTER AND WE KNOW BOTH TEAMS COULD SCORE FROM ANY SPOT ON THE FIELD.

KEEP THE PLACE IN FRONT OF YOU AS TIME IS TICKING DOWN HERE IN THE 2nd QUARTER.

>> UNDER THREE MINUTES TO PLAY.

2nd DOWN AND 3rd TEEN.

A TOSS OVER THE MIDDLE AND JACI KITCHINGS PICKS UP A HANDFUL OF YARDS.

STILL 3rd DOWN.

>> TOUGH SLEDDING AND HAD SOME POINT YOU TAKE A SHOT TOWARD THE END ZONE BUT AGAIN COLUMBUS IS RIGHT WITH THEM EVERY SINGLE PLAY.

SOME BLOCKERS GOING DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS IN FRONT WITH THE SAME RESULT FOR THE BLUE DEVILS DEFENSE.

>> IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A TWO-MINUTE WARNING OR AT LEAST A TWO-MINUTE TIMEOUT.

>> TO DOWNS AND WE CAN PICK THE 1st DOWN AND HE GIVES EVERYBODY A 2nd TO CATCH THEIR BREATH.

>> AND NOW LET'S HEAD BACK DOWN AND NELLY HAS A FEW MORE.

>> THE GHSA SAID IF YOU'VE GOT TO JERSEY, YOU CAN GET OUT HERE.

WHAT IS IT LIKE.

>> IT'S AMAZING TO BE WITH THE TEAM AND FORMER PLAYERS.

IT'S A GREAT ENVIRONMENT TO BE AROUND.

>> AND YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU PLAY FLAG IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

>> I AM PLAYING COLLEGE FOOT TALL.

>> YOU WIN A TITLE AND YOU COME BACK HERE AND YOU ARE INTERVIEWED AND IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU.

>> AND THAT IS KAREN TARKINGTON A STARTER FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

CONVERTING ON 3rd DOWN AND THEY WILL PUNT AND NOW COLUMBUS WITH A CHANCE TO PUT ONE INTO THE END ZONE BEFORE THE END OF THE 1st HALF.

>> WITH THE PUNCH RIGHT THERE, SHE TOUCHES THE FUNDS AND EXCEPT WITH THE BALL ROLLING DOWN THE FIELD WITH A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE THERE.

>> THERE IS NO TOUCH.

>> ALL RIGHT, SO 1st DOWN.

IT ZIPPED OVER THE MIDDLE WITH A NICE PASS TO ALLY LOFTON.

THAT WILL BRING UP 1st DOWN AND 10.

>> AND WATCH AS YOU GET TO ACROSS THE MIDDLE.

SHE ABSOLUTELY THREADS THE NEEDLE.

AN ATTACK IN THE MIDDLE FOR A DECENT GAME.

>> RIGHT THROUGH THE HANDS THAT TIME.

THAT WAS LAUREN WIGGINS, AN OUTFITTER ON THE SOFTBALL TEAM AND WE MENTIONED HER YOUNGER SISTER, MAIA.

>> THIS IS ONE WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE BACK.

THROWING THE BALL SIDELINE TO SIDELINE.

>> CANDIDATES ARE TWIN SISTER.

AND THAT IS KRISTIANA TISBY AGAIN.

THE CLOCK WILL RUN HERE.

NORMAL TACKLE TINY TIMING IN THIS 1st HALF.

>> THE TOP OF YOUR SCREEN WITH A LOOK AT THE QUARTERBACK UP THERE TO SEE WHAT IS PLAYING.

>> STEPPING UP FOR A DEEP SHOT AND IT IS CAUGHT.

DID SHE HAVE FULL CONTROL?

YES.

ALLY LOFTON REALLY NEED IN AN ALL OF A SUDDEN COLUMBUS IS A THREAT TO PUT SOME POINTS UP.

>> WE JUST CATCH THE BALL.

>> A 28 YARD TOUCHDOWN IN THE GAME.

RULE TO CATCH AND IT'S INTERCEPTED.

ADAMS HAS IT AND SHE WON'T GET VERY FAR.

I JUNIOR WITH HER 8th INTERCEPTION AND A HUGE PLAY.

>> A BIG GAIN ON ONE PLAY.

AGAIN, TRYING TO FORCE THE BALL DOWNFIELD.

AN INCREDIBLE HIGH POINT BY ADAMS FOR HER 8th INTERCEPTION, AS YOU SAID.

A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN QUARTERBACK FOR THE YELLOW JACKS.

>> A VERY TOUGH THROW WITH 54 SECONDS LEFT.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH WITH A FULL COMPLEMENT OF TIMEOUTS.

THAT PET FLAGPOLE THAT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE AND THERE IS NOTHING THERE FOR PAIGE NELSON AND SHUT DOWN BY TESS WILLIS.

>> EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE ON DEFENSE COMING OUT, SIMILAR TO LAST YEAR WITH A LOW-SCORING GAME ON THE 1st HALF.

BOTH TEAMS WILL BE EXCITED TO GET TO THE LOCKER ROOM AND MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO COME OUT FOR THE 2nd HALF.

>> AVERAGING 25 POINTS IN GAMES THIS YEAR.

ONCE YOU GET DEEP IN THE PLAYOFFS WITH THE DEFENSE.

THAT'S A LOW-SCORING CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.

ANOTHER EASY PULL THAT TIME AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL TAKE THE 1st HALF BREAK.

SO, SCORELESS AFTER TWO QUARTERS OF PLAY.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH THREE-TIME DEFENDING CHAMPIONS AND PERHAPS MEETING THEIR MATCH IN THE COLUMBUS BLUE DEVILS.

LET'S GO DOWN TO TALK TO SOUTHEAST BULLOCH COACH MARCI COCHRAN.

>> Reporter: BOTH DEFENSES STEPPED UP AND THEN REBOUNDED WITH A LATE PASS.

>> WE KNEW THAT BOTH TEAMS ARE GOOD AT DEFENSE AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGURE OUT SOMETHING ON OFFENSE.

THEY ARE MOVING THE BALL A LITTLE MORE THAN WE ARE WE NEED TO SETTLE DOWN ON BOTH PLAYS.

>> YOU ARE CLAMPING DOWN ON THEM NUMBERS.

THE TRIPLE OPTION SEEMS TO BE WORKING PRETTY GOOD RIGHT NOW WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE COVER THE CORNERS?

>> Reporter: THANK YOU.

>> COMING UP WE HAVE STUFF, THAT'S THE OFFICIAL TERM.

MORE IN JUST A BIT.

WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> WELCOME TO THE HALFTIME SHOW.

WE ARE HERE FOR THE 2024 GIRLS AND BOYS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVE ON GPB SPORTS.

LET'S LOOK AT THE GEORGIA EMC SCOREBOARD.

THERE IT IS WITH ALL ZEROS.

WHAT A DEFENSIVE BATTLE.

THE YELLOW JACKETS LOOKING FOR THEIR 4th TITLE IN A ROW.

COLUMBUS LOOKING FOR ITS 1st GHSA STATE TITLE.

THEY HAVE WON TITLES IN THE PAST AND ARE NO STRANGER TO THE BIG STAGE BUT THIS WILL THEY BE THERE 1st GHSA.

MORE TO GO IN THE 2nd HALF OF THIS ONE.

FOR NOW WE HAVE OUR GEORGIA PLAYER SPOTLIGHT.

AN AMAZING PARTNER WITH GPB ALL YEAR LONG AND WE LOVE HEARING THESE AMAZING STORIES.

THIS IS HARRIS COUNTY LONG-DISTANCE RUNNER WHO AT THE AGE OF 9 WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MEDICAL CAN CONDITION THAT COULD'VE SIDELINED HER FOR THE REST OF HER CAREER.

HERE IS HER STORY.

>> THREE WEEKS FROM DIAGNOSIS OF SCOLIOSIS, WE WERE IN AN OPERATING ROOM HAVING BRAIN SURGERY.

SHE WAS A RUNNER AT THAT POINT AND WE WERE AFRAID OF HOW THIS WOULD IMPACT HER BECAUSE SHE LOVED IT.

RUNNING HELPED SAVE HER.

SHE KNEW YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO WEAR THE BRACE WHEN EXERCISING AND IF SHE WAS RUNNING, SHE WAS STILL BUILDING THOSE MUSCLES IN HER CORE.

>> SHE DOES EVERY REP AND DOESN'T SKIP A DAY.

TO BE AN ELITE ATHLETE LIKE SHE IS, YOU NEED THAT CHARACTERISTICS.

>> THE STRESS AND ANXIETY IS WORTH WHEN YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE AND IT ALL PAYS OFF.

>> THAT STORY GIVES ME CHILLS.

I LOVE ALL THESE AMAZING FEMALE ATHLETES.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS AND YOU SAVED THE PHARMACY FOR ANOTHER AWESOME STORY.

NOW LET'S GO TO JOHN NELSON AND THE GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL GAME.

WHO ELSE DO YOU HAVE ON THE SIDELINES?

>> WE ARE HERE TO CATCH UP WITH THE OTHER COACH, COACH GRIER.

>> THEY HAD A GREAT DEFENSE STARTING OFF THE GAME WITH AN INTERCEPTION AND THAT WAS HUGE MOMENTUM FOR US.

OFTEN SIMPLY SOME BAD DECISIONS ON THE FIELD AND THAT'S UP TO THE PLAYERS.

THEY NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY MAKE THE RIGHT READS AND THOSE THINGS SO WE CAN GET OURSELVES DOWN THE FIELD.

>> NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, WE WILL SEE YOU IN THE 2nd HALF.

>> AWESOME.

>> COLUMBUS' ALLY LOFTON HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE.

GEORGIA'S EMC IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A ELECTRICITY.

THE 1st GAME OF THE WEEK AND WE GOT KICKED OFF AT NOON.

IT HAS BEEN THE YELLOW JACKETS VERSUS THE BLUE DEVILS.

FOLLOWING THE GAME AT 2:00 THE DIVISION 2 FOOT FLAG FOOTBALL GAME BETWEEN GREENBRIER AND NORTH OCONEE.

DEFENDING THE TITLE FROM LAST YEAR WHILE NORTH OCONEE LOST LAST YEAR LOOKING FOR THEIR 1st STATE TITLE EVER.

THEN AT 4:00 THE BOYS DIVISION 2 GAME.

LOOKING TO WIN THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW.

BROOKS COUNTY WON IT IN 2021 UNDER THE HEAD COACH.

AND THAT 7:00 THE GAME WITH THE EAGLES LOADED WITH TALENTS AND THEY HANDLE THE BIG STAGE.

WE WILL FIND OUT LATER TODAY.

FOR NOW, BACK TO JOHN ON THE FIELD.

WHO HAVE YOU GOT THIS TIME?

>> I'VE GOT YOU AND ME AND THAT'S WHAT WE'VE GOT.

>> TELL ME ABOUT THIS DEFENSE OF BATTLE BETWEEN SOUTHEAST BULLOCH AND COLUMBUS.

>> I WAS ANTICIPATING IT WOULD BE A LOT OF OFFENSE OR A LOT OF DEFENSE AND WHAT WE GOT TO SEE WAS HOW THE DEFENSIVE SIDE HAS WORKED FOR BOTH TEAMS.

THEY HAVE BEEN IN GRINDERS THIS YEAR.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCK WITH HARRIS COUNTY AND WAS 7-0.

THEY HAVE SCORED IN THE 40s THIS YEAR AND THEY WILL HAVE A GRINDER.

WHAT IS INTERESTING FOR ME DOWN HERE AND I HOPE FOR THE AUDIENCE AS WELL IS TO SEE HOW THESE TEAMS ADAPT TO ONE ANOTHER.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH MARCI COCHRAN AND WITH THE SPEED TO THE EDGES WITH HOW YOU ARE COMBATING THAT.

PUSHING THE NUMBERS TO THE EDGE SO THAT THEY CAN'T TURN AROUND AND GO DOWN THE SIDELINE WITH THE BIG-PLAY SHORT OF THE ONE LONG PAST AT 28 YARDS WE HAD AT THE START OF THE GAME.

THAT CAME OFF OF DIRECTION AND NOT TRYING TO GET SPEED TO THE EDGE.

WHAT WE ARE SEEING WITH SOUTHEAST BULLOCH IS THE PEDIGREE.

I KNOW THERE ARE EIGHT EX-PLAYERS THAT ARE HERE AND TO ON THE SIDELINES.

AS WE WERE TALKING DURING THE GAME, IF YOU GET A JERSEY ON THEM, THEY CAN BE ON THE SIDELINES AND DON'T NEED THE SIDELINE PASS AND YOU HAVE THAT EXTRA ENERGY HERE FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH AS WELL.

AND THE DEFENSIVE WORK THAT COLUMBUS IS DOING.

AN INTERESTING DICHOTOMY IN THE 1st 20 MINUTES WHEN IT COMES TO STOPPING BIG PLAYS OR ALLOWING THE BIG-PLAY BUT NOT ALLOWING FOLKS INTO THE END ZONE.

THAT HAS BEEN THE 1st.

>> GREAT REPORTING AND IT'S AMAZING.

AND WE TAKE YOU THROUGH THIS WHOLE WEEK OF CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THAT IS IT FOR THE 1st REGION HALFTIME SHOW OF THE WEEK AND WE HAVE MORE TO GO.

EIGHT TEAMS WITH BOYS AND GIRLS COMING UP NEXT HERE ON GPB SPORTS.

MORE > >> SCORELESS AS WE GET READY TO BEGIN THE 2nd HALF.

WE ARE UP IN THE PENTHOUSE AND DAVE, THIS FEELS LIKE WHOEVER HITS THAT PLAY, THEY WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

>> ALL OF THE ABOVE WITH AGGRESSIVE COACHING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL.

EVERYBODY TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND CALM DOWN BUT DON'T BACK DOWN EITHER.

>> LOOKING AT THE 1ST-HALF STATS, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN THE TOTAL YARDS WITH COLUMBUS HAVING MORE SUCCESS MOVING THE BALL.

>> THEY JUST KEEP TAKING THE SHOTS DOWNFIELD AND SHOWING THAT EXPLOSIVE QUARTERBACK.

>> SO, COLUMBUS AFTER DEFERRING THEIR CHOICE TO THE 2nd HALF WILL GET THE BALL TO START.

AND IT SOUNDED LIKE FOR COACH GREER IT WAS CRITICAL TO MAKE THE RIGHT READS AND THE RIGHT CHOICES.

AND HICKMAN PITCHES IT OUT TO FRANKLIN.

IT IS CAUGHT BY LAUGHLIN WHO LOSES HER FOOTING AND THEN OUT TO ADAMS.

ALL OF THAT WORK FOR NO GAIN.

>> A LOT OF SPEED THERE BUT SOUTHEAST BULLOCH PLANE ASSIGNMENT FOOTBALL AND YOU HAVE TO DO THAT WITH TRIPLE OPTION FOOTBALL.

>> IT'S THE 1st 12 GAMES, DAVE AND WE HAVE TO PACE OURSELVES.

FRANKLIN WITH THE EXTRA PITCH AND THAT TIME AROUND THE LEFT END AND THAT WAS MYA WIGGINS.

>> IT WOULDN'T SURPRISE ME IF WE STARTED HAVING PASSES OUT OF THE TRIPLE OPTION.

YOU CAN SEE WHITE JERSEY AFTER WHITE JERSEY PULLING THE FLAG FOR THE 1st TIME WHICH IS CRITICAL ON DEFENSE AND THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THAT SO FAR.

>> THAT GOT TO GET ACROSS THE 30 AND THEY DO.

FRANKLIN REELS THAT IN.

HICKMAN WAS 6 FOR 14 IN THE 1st HALF AND A BIG COMPLETION THERE.

>> AGAIN, YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE THE SOFT HANDS OF A SOPHOMORE WIDE RECEIVER.

A LOT OF TRAFFIC ALL WORRIED ABOUT THE BALL.

MAYBE THE TACKLE GOES IN AND HITS HARD AND WE CAN FOCUS ON THE FOOTBALL.

>> AND NELSON THERE WITH 1st AND 18.

SHE PUT A MOVE ON ADAMS.

ADAM SAYS GIVE ME THAT.

>> AGAIN, YARDS OUT OF THE CATCH AND IMPRESSIVE BY NUMBER 11.

A GOOD JOB WITH HEADS UP RIGHT THERE.

YOU CAN SEE SHE HAS THE BALL EXTENDED FOR THE EXTRA YARD OF OFFENSE THERE AS THE CATCH.

>> A GAIN OF 10 AND 2nd DOWN AND 8.

THE DIAMOND FORMATION.

>> THAT IS A FRUSTRATING ONE.

WITH THE 1ST-YEAR PLAYER THERE.

AND TO HAVE A MORE DEPENDABLE PLAYER WITH LOFTON ON THAT PLAY, SHE WILL BOUNCE BACK.

>> THERE WE GO WITH 3RD-DOWN AND 8.

HAS TO GET TO MIDFIELD TO MOVE THE CHAINS.

HICKMAN 4 FOR 5 ON THIS ONE.

THE RECEIVER IS RIGHT.

HICKMAN THROWS IT OVER THE MIDDLE AND LOFTON SNATCHES IT AND WHAT A GRAB FROM ALLY LOFTON.

SHE IS LIKE SPIDER WOMAN OUT THERE.

>> SHE WAS IN THE U. S. JUNIOR OLYMPICS HERE.

PASSES A TOUCH BEHIND HER AND COMES DOWN WITH FULL CONCENTRATION DOES A NICE JOB REBOUNDING FOR THE 1st DOWN.

>> TWO 1st DOWNS OF THIS DRIVE.

COMBINING FOUR 1st DOWNS IN THE 1st HALF.

THERE IS THE PITCH TO FRANKLIN.

AND WIGGINS RUNNING THROUGH.

SHE HASN'T MISSED ONE IT FEELS LIKE TODAY.

>> YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE THAT ON THE EDGE.

THE SPEED FROM THE RUSHERS TO SLOW DOWN THE TRIPLE OPTION AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN THE PLAY.

THEY MADE THE RUSH TO COMMIT TO HER AND ATTEMPTED TO GET THE BALL TO THE EDGE.

>> 2nd DOWN AND 11 AND THEY'VE GOT TO GET TO THE PAINTED 30.

>> MOTION HERE FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

DO YOU CALL THAT FRONT UNBALANCE?

AND THAT WAS HICKMAN OVER TO ALLY LOFTON.

AND KAYLA ADAMS DOING A NICE JOB OF CONTAINING ALLY LOFTON, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE CATCH.

>> A NICE PICKUP THERE.

AND THEN AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN, KAYLA ADAMS SAID I DON'T THINK SO.

A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN CORNERBACK SO FAR FOR THE YELLOW JACKETS.

>> A 3RD-DOWN CONVERSION ON THIS DRIVE.

IT GETS TO THE 30 AND GRABBED BY HER SHORTS AND THE FLAG COMES DOWN.

THEN A FLAG COMES OUT.

LET'S SEE WHAT THE HEAD REFEREE HAS TO SAY.

IT LOOKS LIKE DEFENSIVE HOLDING.

WITH THE FOOT TALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION.

REFEREE HOLDING, DEFENSE, 10 YARD PENALTY, 1st DOWN.

>> I LIKE THE FOUL THROWN BY LEWIS.

YOU CAN'T DO THAT IN FLAG FOOT BALL.

THE DEFINITION OF HOLDING THERE GIVES COLUMBUS THEIR 2nd 1st DOWN WITH A PENALTY.

>> NOW IT IS 1st AND GOAL FROM THE 11.

THERE IS FRANKLIN AND PAIGE NELSON RUNNING FROM BEHIND WITH 2nd AND GOAL.

>> AND AGAIN, PAIGE NELSON PULLS THE FLAG RIGHT THERE.

EVEN AS SOUTHEAST BULLOCH GETS THERE, SHE'S PULLING THE FLAG.

>> GETTING THERE ONCE TO SETTLE THE SCORE.

>> HICKMAN OVER TO FRANKLIN AND SHE IS STILL UP WITH THE FLAG NOW PULLED.

MARKED DOWN AT THE 4.

THE TOUCHDOWN SAVING PULL THAT TIME FROM PAIGE NELSON.

>> YEAH, VERY LOCKED DOWN OVER THERE.

VERY ELUSIVE FROM ARMY FRANKLIN.

MISSES.

THE 1st PERSON AND KICKING A FIELD GOAL HERE IN FLAG FOOTBALL.

THE NEUTRAL ZONE IS TO YARDS AND HE GETS TIGHT IN THE END ZONE.

TWO PLACE FROM OFFENSE.

>> 12 PLAY ON THE DRIVE.

AND FRANKLIN HASN'T YANKED DOWN.

GOOD HANDS FOR TIKI 4.

4th AND GOAL APPROACHING THE SEVEN MINUTE MARK.

>> AND I EXPECT IT SIMILAR ON THE 4th DOWN.

>> HERE WE GO WITH 4th AND GOAL.

THREE YARDS TO GO.

HICKMAN ROLLS TO THE RIGHT AND GETS RID OF IT.

IT IS DROPPED BY PAIGE NELSON IN THE END ZONE.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT IS COMPLETE AND SOUTHEAST BULLOCH STANDS TALL.

THEY TAKE OVER INSIDE THEIR OWN 5.

>> COLUMBUS COMES DOWN THE FIELD AND STALLS AT THE 4 YARD LINE.

AND AND BREAK AND KEEP APPLYING THE PRESSURE THAT YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN DOING.

WHY NOT RIGHT THERE WITH HICKMAN FORCING THE BALL.

SHE HAS NOT THERE BY HERSELF.

TRYING TO GET THE BALL DOWN IN THE END ZONE.

>> A 13 PLAY DRIVE TAKING OVER 7.

5 MINUTES.

AND THAT IS THE 1st OFFENSIVE SNAP OF THE 2nd HALF.

WITH LESS THAN TO MINUTES TO GO IN THE 3rd QUARTER WITH A PASS COMPLETE >> YOU ARE BACK ON YOUR OWN 4 YARD LINE AND YOU GET THE FUMBLE THERE.

AND WITH HARDING A BIG-TIME WIDE RECEIVER IN HANDS OF GOLD THERE WITH ADAMS.

>> SHE IS PROBABLY THE BEST PLAYER SO FAR THIS AFTERNOON, ESPECIALLY ON DEFENSE.

NOW GET TO THE PAIN ON 30.

ANOTHER PASS SAID SHE PUSHES IT BACK WORD.

>> YOU ALWAYS HAVE A QUARTERBACK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL BUT SERENITY HICKMAN CERTAINLY DOES.

YOU CAN SEE THAT.

>> SHE IS ACCURATE AND EVERYWHERE SIDELINE TO SIDELINE.

A DEEP SHOT HOISTED UP LOOKING FOR NATAYLA ODOM AND IT'S INCOMPLETE.

AND A LITTLE BIT OF A CHEST BUMP THERE.

>> AGAIN THE BACKFIELD TRIES TO PUT THE BALL AROUND.

VERY AGGRESSIVE PLAN OF PHYSICAL PLAY OVER THE TOP.

>> NO SURPRISE THAT KAYLA ADAMS WILL PUNT FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

SO FAR AS THE PUNT IS HANDED ON THE 1st TOUCH, IT CAN BE RETURNED.

>> IT WILL BE THE BLUE DEVILS WITH 1st DOWN AND YELLOWJACKET TERRITORY.

WE BREAK THE SCORELESS TIE OF GAME ONE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK HERE AT MERCEDES-BENZ.

> >> WELCOME BACK TO MERCEDES-BENZ AND WE GET READY FOR THE FINAL 10 MINUTES AND I WILL USE THE R WORD, REGULATION.

THE 1st THING MARCI COCHRAN SAID, GUYS, WAS JUST BREATHE.

SHE LITERALLY TOOK A DEEP BREATH.

READY FOR THE 4th QUARTER.

JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING ON OFFENSE CHIPPING AWAY.

YOU ARE DOING REALLY WELL KEEPING THAT CONTAINED WITH THAT SPEED.

SOMETIMES THE SIMPLEST MESSAGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT, JUST BREATHE.

>> THAT'S WHAT THEY'VE BEEN TELLING ME, JUST BREATHE.

AND FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH, IN SOME WAYS THEY NEED TO CONSIDER THEMSELVES FORTUNATE TO BE TIED RIGHT NOW.

>> AND COLUMBUS APPLY IN THE PRESSURE WITH NICE YELLOWJACKET DEFENSE AND A LONG DRIVE OFF THE QUARTER.

IN THE BACK TO THE BLUE DEVILS STARTING THE 4th QUARTER.

>> HERE WE GO READY TO START THE 4th QUARTER.

COLUMBUS WITH HER 14th PLAY OF THE 2nd HALF.

THREE AND OUT DEEP IN THEIR OWN TERRITORY.

100 YARDS PASSING TODAY.

1st AND 11 AND THEY NEED TO GET TO THE 30 YARD MARKER.

OVER-THE-TOP AND COMPLETE.

TRYING TO GET THE CENTER INVOLVED A LITTLE BIT, IT LOOKS LIKE NOW.

THAT WOULD BE SOPHIA BUSSEY ON THE CATCH.

>> THEY HAVE BEEN USING THAT TODAY AND THAT WILL BE SOMETHING WE WILL SEE IF THEY TACKLE HERE IN THE 4th QUARTER.

>> PLAYING THROUGH THE MIDDLE BLOCKER WITH A SIMILAR FIELD AND KEEPING THE ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE EDGES.

>> WHAT A SNAG, ALLY LOFTON, HOW DID SHE PICK THAT CLEANLY?

WAY BEHIND HER.

THE BLUE DEVIL CHEERLEADERS CAN'T BELIEVE IT.

>> THIS IS AS DYNAMIC AS THEY COME HERE.

A WRONG STEP BY THE RUSHER AND YOU HAVE TO RUN UP THE FIELD WITH YOUR PITCH PERSON AND A NEW RELATIONSHIP THERE.

STILL HAVING A REALLY BAD FEED WITH A NICE JOB THERE BY ALLY LOFTON.

>> THE 1st TIME THEY'VE HAD A GOAL TO GO SITUATION ON THE 11th.

THROWING OFF OF FRANKLIN.

INSIDE THE 5 AND THE 10.

THEY RULED FRANKLIN WAS DOWN.

>> THE DEFENSE HERE, BEND AND BREAK.

KEEP APPLYING THE PRESSURE AND DON'T LET THAT 1ST-PERSON MENACE.

FIND A WAY TO BE OFF THE FIELD HERE.

>> THERE YOU HAVE IT, A RIGHT ANGLE THREE BACK IN THREE LEFT.

>> AND THAT IS THE RIGHT TO THE PASS.

3rd AND GOAL ALL AT THE 8 YARD LINE.

>> APPLYING PRESSURE RIGHT THERE WITH WILLIAMS UP FRONT.

THE FORCE PASSED AND SHE GETS HER SEED FEET SET.

AND A NICE JOB APPLYING THE PRESSURE.

BEND AND BREAK HERE.

>> THEY ARE 81 AND 1 AND THEY HAVE NEVER LOST A PLAYOFF GAME.

THREE-TIME DEFENDING STATE CHAMPIONS.

HICKMAN OVER THE MIDDLE AND IT'S CAUGHT.

AND THAT IS HARMONY FRANKLIN OF THE BLUE DEVILS TO BREAK THE SCORELESS TIE.

>> SHE JUST GETS HER FOOT ON THE GROUND RIGHT THERE.

SHE COMES DOWN WITH IT AND FINE WITH THE BLUE DEVILS IN THE END ZONE.

>> NOW, THE OPTION TO GO FOR 1, 2, OR 3.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE HIPS.

DID SHE GET IN?

I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO RULE HER JUST SHORT.

I MEAN ON THE GOAL LINE SHORT.

NO GOOD AND IT IS 6-0, COLUMBUS.

>> THE EXTRA POINTS IN FOOTBALL AND MAN, THAT IS SUPER TIGHT RIGHT THERE.

A NICE JOB OF SHUTTING THAT DOWN.

A BIG STAND TO KEEP THAT EXTRA POINT OFF THE BOARD THERE.

>> FIVE PLAYS IN 31 YARDS WITH KELSEY JOHNSON THAT THEY TACKLE TO PREVENT THE EXTRA POINT.

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SCORE HERE.

AROUND THE LEFT SIDE AND TRYING TO PUT THE MOVES, BUT NO SUCCESS THAT TIME.

THE FLAG IS PULLED BY WILLIAMS.

>> IT IS THE LAST TIME WITH THE THREE DRIVE OUT.

>> EVEN WITH THE THREE TIMEOUTS, YOU HAVE TO TREAT THIS LIKE YOUR LAST DRIVE.

>> UP THE MIDDLE AND A DANGEROUS PASS AND IT IS CAUGHT.

WHAT A CATCH.

AND ERICKSON, THE 1st TIME SHE HAS BEEN TARGETED TODAY.

>> ERICKSON GOES UP FOR THE PAST AND COMES DOWN WITH THE TRAFFIC.

KIND OF TAKING DEEP BREATHS SOFT OF THE SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK.

>> COLUMBUS WILL CALL A TIMEOUT HERE WITH A 14 YARD GAIN FOR 1st AND 8 WITH 5.

5 MINUTES TO GO.

YOU LOOK AT COACH COCHRAN FIRED UP IN HER HUDDLE.

THE REASON SOUTHEAST BULLOCH IS FACING PRESSURE RIGHT NOW IS BECAUSE OF THIS PITCHING CATCH FROM HICKMAN TO THE END ZONE, HARMONY FRANKLIN.

JUST MOMENTS AGO WITH HARMONY FRANKLIN.

A TWO-WAY PLAYER, RECEIVER AND LINEBACKER.

SHE IS USED TO DISTRIBUTE IN THE BALLS AS A POINT GARDEN BASKETBALL AND NOW ON THE RECEIVING END.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH TRYING TO COME FROM BEHIND.

AND TO NATAYLA ODOM UP THE SIDELINE.

SHE WILL GET RIGHT TO MIDFIELD FOR ENOUGH FOR A 1st DOWN.

>> AND FOR FLAG FOOT ALL GURUS OUT THERE, 3rd AND 1 IS A LOT BETTER, BUT WE DIDN'T PICK UP THE GAME THERE.

GETTING NUMBER NINE INVOLVED IN THE OFFENSE, UNOFFICIAL FOR THE YELLOW JACKETS.

>> A BIG CHALLENGE WITH PASSES AGAINST THIS COLUMBUS DEFENSE.

RACING FORWARD, PASSES TO JACI KITCHINGS IT WAS TAKEN DOWN AT THE 40.

>> AGAIN, FOR ALL OF YOU LEARNING FLAG FOOTBALL OUT THERE, THE PLAY IS NEVER OVER.

ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO PITCH TO.

PITCHING THAT BALL.

FROM 1st AND 2 TO 2nd AND 10, NICE PLAY.

>> AND LOOKING TO PASS FORWARD AND IT IS INCOMPLETE.

AND 3rd DOWN AND 10.

YOU'VE GOT TO GET TO THE PAINTED 30 WHICH IS REALLY THE 20 ON THIS 80 YARD FLAG FOOTBALL FIELD.

>> AND GETTING IT PASSED THERE AND STRIKING THE BALL DOWN FIELD.

LOOKING AT CHOPPINESS AND HALF WITH THE 4TH-DOWN PLAY MANAGEABLE.

>> WITH MARCI COCHRAN UNDER HOT WATER WITH FOUR MINUTES TO PLAY.

NATAYLA ODOM STRETCHING AND DID SHE GET A 1st DOWN?

YES, SHE DID.

1st AND GOAL FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

NATAYLA ODOM AT JUNIOR.

>> KNOWN FOR HER SPEED AND THE NICE JOB RIGHT THERE GETTING THE BALL EXTENDED.

GOING DOWN THE FIELD TOO.

>> BY FAR THE BEST OFFENSIVE DRIVE FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH TODAY.

THE DEEPEST THEY HAVE GOTTEN INTO COLUMBUS TERRITORY.

AARON RUNNING LEFT AND THE PITCH IS IN BACK AND THE BALL IS DEAD AS IT TOUCHES THE GROUND.

HE LIKED THAT, DIDN'T YOU?

>> I DID.

NICE JOB HERE AND DRAWS DIFFERENT PLAY OFFENSIVELY.

SHE IS TAKING IT UP THE FIELD FOR A GAIN THERE.

>> SO, 2nd AND GOAL WITH 13 YARDS TO GAIN.

BARRON SURVEYING AND STEPPING UP.

THE FLAG COMES FLYING OUT OF THE FIVE YARD LINE.

FRANKLIN PULLS BARRON'S LINE.

>> THIS IS DEFENSE.

RUSHERS RAN THROUGH THE BLOCKER WITH CONTACT ON A NONCONTACT SPORT AND YOU CAN'T DO THAT.

2nd DOWN AND FROM ABOUT THE THREE YARD LINE.

>> Referee: ILLEGAL CONTACT, DEFENSE.

>> YOU KIND OF STROLL THE REFEREE'S THUNDER THERE, DID YOU DAVE?

>> YOU CAN SEE HER GETTING NOT DOWN.

NUMBER SEVEN TO NUMBER 4.

DEFINITELY NOT INITIATING CONTACT OFFENSIVELY.

>> THIS IS THE TWO-MINUTE WARNING.

>> TWO-MINUTE WARNING AND YOU CAN SEE TRINITY SAMS WHO KNOCKED KITCHINGS DOWN.

AND SOUTHEAST BULLOCH HAS ALL THREE OF THEIR TIMEOUTS.

THIS APPEARS TO BE A OFFICIAL'S WARNING.

>> AND THE BEST DRIVE OF THE GAME.

2nd DOWN AND WE WILL HAVE A 3RD-DOWN PLAY AND A 4TH-DOWN PLAY WITH WIDE-OPEN TIMEOUTS AND THE BALL IN THE END ZONE.

>> IT IS GOING TO BE 2nd AND GOAL FROM THE THREE YARD LINE.

KEEP IN MIND THAT SOUTHEAST BULLOCH, IF THEY WERE TO SCORE, WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE THE LEAD.

>> YOU CAN GO FOR ONE OR TO OR THREE.

UNLIKE TACKLE.

>> LET'S GET DOWN TO JOHN NELSON.

>> CHRIS, WHAT DID YOU TALK ABOUT?

>> WITH THIS PLAY HERE AT THE END ZONE AND WE JUST GOT TO DO A GOOD JOB OF HANDLING THE QUARTERBACK SO SHE CAN GET THE BALL OFF.

>> THAT'S THE PLAN ON THE DEFENSIVE SIDE.

AND COACH GRIER AND HIS SIX SEASON AS THE COACH AT COLUMBUS.

LOSING ONE GAME IN FOUR YEARS AND WAS A MONTH AGO AND A NON-REGION GAME.

>> AFTER THE TIME FOR THE TENSION TO BUILD AND TO LET THE DRAMA UNFOLD.

TO MINUTES WITH THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS FACING A COLUMBUS TEAM.

ONE OF THE LONGEST-RUNNING PROGRAMS IN THE STATE.

AND A 1ST-YEAR STARTER QUARTERBACK.

THE SNAP GOES TO NELSON AND SHE REACHES FOR IT.

DID SHE GET IN?

SHE DID NOT.

THEY PUT HER DOWN AT 1.

3rd AND GOAL.

IT IS A VERSION OF THE PUSH.

>> AND PUT THEM THERE AND GET THE BALL EXTENDED AND JUST DIVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS THERE.

A GOOD CAMERA ANGLE THERE AND THEY WERE SHORT OF GOAL LINE.

>> IT IS NELSON.

IS SHE END?

YES!

TOUCHDOWN SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

THE OFFICIAL RULE THAT A TOUCHDOWN.

WE DO HAVE A FLAG OUT.

>> Referee: STILL A 3RD-DOWN.

>> THE PLAY WAS DEAD AND NOT A TOUCHDOWN BUT INSIDE THE ONE NOW.

IS THERE REALLY MUCH WAY TO DEFEND THIS?

>> YOU CAN SEE THE ORANGE MARKER THERE.

GOOD LUCK COLUMBUS.

>> THE CLOCK CONTINUING.

AND COACH COCHRAN NOW TELLING SOUTHEAST BULLOCH TO GO.

IT'S GOING TO BE NELSON.

IS SHE END?

YES SHE IS.

TOUCHDOWN SOUTHEAST BULLOCH WITH PAIGE NELSON AND WE ARE TIED WITH JUST OVER MINUTE TO GO ON THE STATE FINAL.

>> WITH THE TOUCHDOWN THERE AND NUMBER FIVE SCORES THE TOUCHDOWN AND GETS OFF THE GROUND AND IS VERY CALM AND COOL AND COLLECTED AND JUST GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> AND SO TAKING THE LEAD FROM THE THREE YARD LINE.

NELSON TO BARRON AND SHE THROWS TO THE END ZONE IT IS BROKEN UP LOOKING FOR NATAYLA ODOM AND WE ARE STILL TIED.

AND A HUGE PLAY WITH SPY THE BREAKING UP THE PASS.

>> AGAIN, AND EXTRA POINT WINS CHAMPIONSHIP.

SOUTHEAST COULD NOT FINISH THE DRIVE WITH THE EXTRA POINT.

THE TOUCH RIGHT HERE.

I LIKE THE IDEA OF PITCHING THE BALL BACK TO THE QUARTERBACK AND FORCING IT IN SOMEHOW.

GOING AT YOUR WIDE RECEIVER, NATAYLA ODOM.

>> THAT'S MORE YARDS THAN THEY HAD IN THE 1st THREE QUARTERS COMBINED.

THAT IS COLUMBUS TRYING TO TAKE THE LEAD IN THE FINAL MINUTES.

THE CLOCK WILL STOP ON THE INCOMPLETION.

UNDER TO MINUTES.

>> THERE IS THE DRIVE SUMMARY.

11 PLACE WAS 789 YARDS FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE.

THAT IS WELL DONE FOR A TEAM THAT IS THE THREE-TIME DEFENDING CHAMPS.

LOTS OF PRESSURE ON BOTH SIDES.

OVER THE MIDDLE, HICKMAN COMPLETES IT.

THAT IS SOPHIA BUSSEY MAKING THE CATCH.

IT WILL BE ENOUGH TO MOVE THE CHAINS.

>> THAT CLOCK STOPS TEMPORARILY FOR THE 1st DOWN TO GET SET UP AND THEN THE CLOCK WILL START AFTER THIS TIMEOUT.

>> TIMEOUT, OFFENSE.

>> IT IS THE 2nd TIMEOUT CALLED BY COLUMBUS AND THEY HAVE ONE LEFT.

THERE ARE NO FIELD GOALS AND FLAG FOOTBALL AND THEY NEED TO GET ALL THE WAY TO THE END ZONE AND RIGHT NOW THAT IS 50 TO YARDS FOR COACH GRIER WITH JUST OVER MINUTE ON THE CLOCK.

WITH LOFTON'S ATHLETICISM AND HEIGHT, IT'S NOT CRAZY TO THINK THEY COULD HIT A HOMERUN HERE.

>> AND WITH ATHLETES ALL OVER THE FIELD, OFFENSIVELY THE BLUE DEVILS THE KIND OF OPEN HERE FOR THIS TIMEOUT.

>> ALL RIGHT, LET'S GO.

>> AND A LOOK INSIDE THE COLUMBUS HUDDLE TRYING TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE AND DEFEAT SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

81 AND 19.

SERENITY HICKMAN WITH A TOUCHDOWN PASS AND AN INTERCEPTION.

>> ONE MORE TOUCHDOWN PASS IN THE FINAL MINUTE?

>> AND SLOWING DOWN THE SOUTHEAST RUSHERS.

>> THE DIAMOND FORMATION AND SHE PITCHES IT BACKWARDS AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT IS A TACKLE FOR LOSS.

THAT WAS THE 1st TOUCH FOR KIMBERLY MARINO.

>> WITH JUST TRYING TO EXTEND THE PLAY AND KUDOS FOR EXTENDING THE POCKET TOO EARLY.

AND SHE STEPS UP AND ENFORCES THE BALL TO THE EDGE A LITTLE BIT.

>> 2nd DOWN AND DATE TEEN.

HICKMAN IN TROUBLE DUMPS IT OFF AND DUMPS IT OFF THE SIDELINE.

HER FLAG IS RIPPED AWAY SCHEID OF THE 40.

TIMEOUT.

FOR COLUMBUS WITH 17 SECONDS LEFT.

MORE TIME TO DUMP OFF TO FRANKLIN.

>> THE ASSIGNMENT IS REALLY EASY ON DEFENSE.

KEEP EVERYTHING IN FRONT OF YOU.

TO DUMP EVERYTHING IN FRONT OF YOU TO THE PERSON BLOCKING IN PURSUIT OF THE FOOTBALL.

KEEP EVERYTHING IN FRONT OF YOU AND STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE FIELD.

>> MARCI COCHRAN.

>> SOUTHEAST BULLOCH TRYING TO FORCE OVERTIME.

IF THEY WERE TO PICK UP THE FLAG, COULD THEY DO THAT?

>> YEAH, SURE.

>> THAT IS A LOT OF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING COACHES.

YOU SEE JAY REDDICK WHO WAS THE PORTAL HIGH SCHOOL'S HEAD COACH.

THAT COACHING STAFF HAS WON A STATE TITLE EVERY YEAR AND FLAG FOOTBALL.

3rd DOWN AND HICKMAN FIRES IT OVER THE MIDDLE.

THE 1st DOWN AND NATAYLA ODOM WITH A STOP.

THE CLOCK WILL RAISE IT WILL STOP TO RESET THE 1st DOWN CONES.

11 SECONDS LEFT.

LOOK AT THIS STRIKE.

>> AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE HERE WITH 11 SECONDS.

>> THE CLOCK IS GOING.

HICKMAN OVER THE MIDDLE AND FRANKLIN'S FLAG IS PULLED.

THEY RACE INTO THE LINE.

3-2, WE ARE GOING INTO OVERTIME.

COLUMBUS OUT OF TIMEOUTS AND COULDN'T STOP THE CLOCK.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH DOES JUST ENOUGH TO FORCE OVERTIME.

ATTEND PLAY DRIVE FOR COLUMBUS IN THE FINAL MINUTE.

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE OVERTIME RULES.

WE HAVE SEEN THIS A TIME OR TO IN THE FLAG FINAL.

>> THE WINNER WITH OFFENSE AND DEFENSE AND EACH TEAM GETS POSSESSION SIMILAR TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

ONE TIMEOUT FOR THE REST OF HOWEVER LONG WE ARE HERE FOR THIS OVERTIME PROCESS.

THE 1st OVERTIME ON THE 10 YARD LINE GOING IN WITH THE 1st DOWN.

YOU CAN SEE WE WILL PLAY MORE FOOTBALL.

THIS IS A MUCH ANTICIPATED MATCHUP BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS AND THEY WANTED TO PLAY JUST A LITTLE BIT OF EXTRA FLAG FOOTBALL HERE TODAY.

>> LOOKING AT SOME OF THE STUDENTS FOR COLUMBUS AND THE TIMING FOR GHSA TO START FLAG FOOTBALL IS INTERESTING BECAUSE THEY WERE LOADED.

THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP PUT ON BY THE ATLANTA FALCONS.

AS SOON AS THE SPORT WAS SANCTIONED BY THE GHSA, THEY HAD LOST A TON OF TALENT FROM THE YEAR BEFORE.

THIS IS BEEN A REBUILD FOR COACH GRIER.

>> COLUMBUS HAS BEEN KNOCKING ON THE DOOR KIND OF REBUILDING SINCE 2020.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR AND REBUILDING EVERY YEAR.

A SHOUT OUT TO THE COLUMBUS COMMUNITY FORGETTING HERE, FINALLY.

>> AND GETTING RALLIED BY COACH COCHRAN.

NOW, WE WILL COME OUT AND HAVE A COIN TOSS.

THIS IS ONE WHERE CLEARLY YOUR PICKING TO GO ON DEFENSE 1st DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU GET?

>> SIMILAR TO TACKLE FOOTBALL, SHE WILL TAKE DEFENSE.

>> I'M JUST GOING TO EAVESDROP.

I WANT THE INFORMATION AS MUCH AS EVERYBODY ELSE, LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

>> WE HAVE THE 1st POSITION AT THE SEVEN YARD LINE.

AFTER THIS QUARTER, YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY FOR YOUR CHOICE.

AFTER THE 1st TEAM HAS POSSESSION, THE 2nd TEAM GETS POSSESSION WITH THE SAME OPPORTUNITY.

IF IT IS STILL TIED AT THE END OF THE 1st OVERTIME, WE GO TO THE 2nd OVERTIME PERIOD STARTING AT THE FIVE YARD LINE.

IF IT DOES TIED AT THE 2nd OVERTIME PERIOD, WE WILL PUT THE BALL UNTIL ULTIMATELY THE TIE IS BROKEN.

WE WILL PLAY ONE END OF THE FIELD.

EACH TEAM HAS ONE TIMEOUT FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF OVERTIME.

>> AND WE HAVE ANOTHER TIMEOUT AND ANOTHER?

>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION, ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

>> FOUR TRIES?

>> YOU HAVE A SERIOUS AND HAVE TO FORFEIT.

>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, THOSE ARE GREAT?

>> ALL RIGHT, SOUTHEAST BULLOCH, YOU CALL THE COIN.

>> THE FOOTBALL WILL BE TALES.

>> I AM HEADS.

>> READY?

>> IT IS TALES, YOU'VE WON THE TOSS.

>> WE WILL TAKE DEFENSE.

>> YEAH, I WANT THE BALL.

>> OKAY, I WAS LIKE WAIT A MINUTE, WE WANT TO GO THIS WAY.

>> ALL RIGHT, GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

>> ALL RIGHT, WHAT DID YOU THINK?

>> I THINK WE'VE GOT TO DO OUR JOB AND PLAY THE GAME AND GET IT HERE AND EXECUTE THE BALL AND THEN EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS FROM THERE.

>> I LOVED YOUR TALK THAT EVERYBODY WAS ENGAGED AND I LOVE TO THE TALK YOU GAVE.

>> THE GAME IS ABOUT THESE GIRLS IN THIS MOMENT FOR THEM.

I WANT THEM TO FEEL IT AND BE PART OF EVERYTHING THAT IT IS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THERE IT IS, CHRISTIAN GRIER.

THEY WIN THE TOSS AND AT THIS POINT COMES DOWN TO EXECUTION AND THERE ARE NO NEW PLAYS AND NO NEW WRINKLES.

IT IS JUST TO PLAYS BETTER IN THIS SERIES AT 1st AND GOAL.

>> DRIVE EACH AND OBVIOUSLY DEFENSE IN THIS AREA.

LET'S SEE HOW IT PLAYS OUT.

>> SO, 1st AND GOAL FROM THE 10.

THE GOAL LINE ON THIS FIELD AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM IS 10 AND THAT'S THE GOAL LINE.

AND BARRON STUMBLING AND SPINNING FORWARD NEAR THE GOAL LINE.

SHE HAD?

YES, TOUCHDOWN, GHSA.

AND BARRON DOES IT HERSELF.

>> THAT IS RELENTLESS EFFORT RIGHT THERE BY THE SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK.

SHE KEEPS HER FEET MOVING UP THE FIELD.

THAT SHE BREAK IT UP BEFORE SHE FUMBLES?

THE REFEREE SAYS YES, SHE DOES.

>> A FINE LINE BETWEEN A TOUCHDOWN AND A POTENTIAL TOUCHBACK.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH SNAPS IT TO BULLOCK AND IT IS CAUGHT BY CHLOE COCHRAN.

COACH COCHRAN'S DAUGHTER TAKES IT IN THIS TIME ZIP SAID IN.

I AM NOT SURE I EVEN SAW THAT.

>> WITH BRUSHING UP THE FIELD WITH A NICE SHOT RIGHT THERE.

USING THE CENTER AND ALL PLAYERS ARE ELIGIBLE.

A NICE SHOT GETTING THE CENTER INVOLVED.

AND NUMBER 20 TO.

>> AND JACI KITCHINGS LITERALLY JUMPING FOR JOY.

IT IS 1st AND GOAL IN A SACK BEHIND THE LINE.

WILLIAMS COMING UP WITH A HUGE PLAY IN THE LOSS OF 4.

>> AND APPLYING THIS ALL YEAR LONG.

THE 1st LOOK FOR SERENITY HICKMAN WITH JUST TOO MUCH SPEED UP THE MIDDLE FOR THE YELLOW JACKS.

>> AND OVER TO FRANKLIN.

AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE BRINGING UP A 3rd DOWN.

>> TWO LOCKERS HERE FROM RUSHERS.

A NICE JOB IN RELENTLESS PURSUIT THERE.

LINEBACKERS EVERYWHERE AND SHUTTING IT DOWN IN ITS TRACKS.

>> 3rd AND GOAL FROM THE 10 AND TO SHOTS TO GET INTO THE END ZONE.

TO KEEP THIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ALIVE.

HICKMAN TOWARD THE END ZONE AND IT IS DROPPED BY HARMONY FRANKLIN WHO HAD IT IN HER FINGERTIPS AND COULD NOT MAKE THE CATCH.

ALREADY WITH ONE TOUCHDOWN CATCH TODAY, THAT IS A HEARTBREAKER.

>> YOU CALL THE PLAY OF HOW YOU WANT IT TO GET THE RECEIVER WHERE YOU WANT HER AND THEN IN TRAFFIC COULD NOT HANG ONTO IT.

COLUMBUS DOES HAVE A TIMEOUT HERE AND THEY WILL TALK ABOUT IT.

>> NO SIGN, YET.

THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE.

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH GETS THE GOAL AND THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS.

AND HICKMAN DUMPS IT OFF AND THAT IS YOUR BALLGAME, SOUTHEAST BULLOCH FOR THE 4th CONSECUTIVE YEAR, STATE CHAMPIONS AND FLAG FOOTBALL.

>> WHAT A FINISH IN OVERTIME.

TIERS ABOUND FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

THIS IS A GROUP THAT LOST A LOT OF VETERAN PLAYERS AND LOST THEIR 1st EVER GAME AND SCHOOL HISTORY A MONTH AGO.

THEY TRAILED 6-0 WITH LESS THAN TO MINUTES TO PLAY AND THEY FOUND A WAY TO COME BACK AND WIN IN OVERTIME.

ON THE OTHER SIDE, DAVE, HEARTBREAKING FINISH, THERE.

ESPECIALLY FOR THE FINAL TO PLAYS WITH A DROPPED PASS IN THE END ZONE.

IT LOOKS LIKE SERENITY HICKMAN THOUGHT SHE HAD BEEN SACKED AND HER FLAG WAS STILL ON AND SHE DUMPED IT OFF TO ALLY LOFTON BUT CANNOT KEEP IT GOING.

A TERRIFIC STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY BY BOTH TEAMS.

>> A SHOUT OUT TO COLUMBUS.

THEY WILL BE BACK, I'M SURE.

A LOT OF EXPLOSIVE PLAY AND SPEED FOR THE BLUE DEVILS.

AGAIN, WITH THE SOUTHEAST BULLET YELLOW JACKETS WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE DAY JUST CONTINUING TO PURSUE AND DO YOUR JOB OF PLAYING FLAG FOOTBALL.

AND THE SHOUT OUT TO COACH COCHRAN AND ALL OF THESE GIRLS WHO FIND THEIR WAY AFTER GRADUATION TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE GREATNESS HERE IN THE FLAG FOR ALL WORLD.

>> [ LAUGHTER ] I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT KELSEY JOHNSON AND HER TEAMMATES ARE EXCITED AS WELL AS THE FANS WHO MADE THEIR DRIVE UP FROM BROOKLYN, GEORGIA TO MERCEDES-BENZ.

THAT IS FOUR STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH.

THERE ARE LEGENDS ALONG THE SIDELINES FOR SOUTHEAST BULLOCH NOT PLAYING TODAY.

IN SOME WAYS IT WAS A NEW GENERATION THIS YEAR FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONS.

TO RECOGNIZE THE COLUMBUS BLUE DEVILS ON A PHENOMENAL YEAR.

YOU CANNOT REALLY COME MUCH CLOSER THAN THAT TO WIN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

>> AGAIN, BAD BREAK THERE IN OVERTIME.

A SHOUT OUT TO THE COMMUNITY.

THE ALUMNI COME BACK AND TEXT.

SO THAT CULTURE AND THAT COMMUNITY AND THE WINNING MINDSET IN BROOKLYN HIS REMARKABLY A PART OF IT.

>> AND COACH GRIER, I KNOW IT WILL STING FOR A LITTLE WHILE.

LET'S LOOK AT THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN.

1st, EMMA CATE BARRON.

LOOK AT THIS SCRAMBLE AND THE SPIN MOVE BACKING IN AND STRETCHING OUT.

RULED A TOUCHDOWN AND THEN THE POINT AFTER, CHLOE COCHRAN BAKING THE STRETCH.

THAT WAS THE FINAL SCORE TODAY AND YOU SEE THE EMOTION THERE FOR JADYN WILLIAMS.

HOLDING THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY WITH A COUPLE OF SENIORS.

NOW COLUMBUS BEING RECOGNIZED ON THE PLATFORM FOR MERCEDES-BENZ.

A HEROIC EFFORT BY SERENITY HICKMAN AND ALLY LOFTON AND ALISHA WILLIAMS AND JAMIESE SPIVEY.

>> NOT THE STAGE YOU WANT TO BE ON.

FOR YOU TO MAKE IT THIS FAR AND COMPETE LIKE YOU DID, THERE IS POSITIVE ENERGY TO BUILD ON INTO NEXT YEAR.

>> AN IMPRESSIVE RUN WITH TIERS IN THE STANDS AS WELL.

>> IT WILL BE ALISHA WILLIAMS WHO WILL CARRY THE TROPHY OFFSTAGE.

ONE MORE PITCHER IT LOOKS LIKE.

1st OF FOUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THE 1st IN OVERTIME AND IT'S A THRILLER 13-6 AND SOUTHEAST BULLOCH THE WINNERS.

AND JOHN NELSON IS HEADED UP TO THE PLATFORM AND WE WILL SEND IT UP TO HIM SHORTLY.

BUT THE COLUMBUS BLUE DEVILS ALL.

THERE ARE THE STATE CHAMPIONS WITH TIERS AS WELL.

LOOK AT ALL THE SMILES.

JUMPING FOR JOY WITH THE SOUTHEAST BULLET WITH SENIORS ON THE STAGE.

NOW DOWN TO JOHN NELSON AS MARCI COCHRAN GETS INTO POSITION.

AND WE WILL SEND IT DOWN TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, TIME TO PRESENT THE 1st TROPHY.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION, DR. TIM SCOTT.

>> 1st OF ALL, CONGRATULATIONS TO COLUMBUS ON A GREAT SEASON.

WELL DONE WITH SUPER COMMUNITY SUPPORT, THANK YOU.

AND TO OUR FRIENDS FROM SOUTHEAST BULLOCH, FANS, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH YOUR TEAM, WHAT A GREAT JOB.

>> AND NOW FROM ALPHA INSURANCE TO PRESENT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY.

TO SOUTHEAST BULLOCH --COACH, LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION, WHICH ONE WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE?

>> PROBABLY THIS ONE TONIGHT.

WE LOST FIVE SENIORS AND IT'S A CHANGING OF THE GUARDS AND THEY ARE HERE TO STAY.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

>> THANK YOU AND LET ME SWAP OUT QUICKLY.

>> WHAT HELPED YOU GO FORWARD?

>> WE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES.

WHEN YOU WON 77 STRAIGHT AND THEN GET A LOSS, IT IS TOUGH.

I THINK THAT GAME HELPED US WIN TODAY.

WE WERE DOWN A LITTLE BIT AND THEN WE PUT IT INTO OVER TEAM AND I CANNOT ASKED FOR A BETTER TEAM.

>> I KNOW THAT MARCI COCHRAN WILL GET CELEBRATING GOING ON.

AND IT IS HEADED BACK TO BROOKLYN.

ONCE AGAIN, SEB.

AND IN THE BROADCAST BOOTH, THAT SAYS IT FOR COACH MARCI COCHRAN.

AND WITH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD TO COME THROUGH, THAT'S IMPRESSIVE.

>> ESPECIALLY IN DIVISION I WHERE YOU HAVE LESS STUDENTS TO PULL FROM.

AGAIN, THE NEXT PERSON AND THAT'S WHAT DYNASTY TEAMS CAN DO WITH THE NEXT PERSON UP.

AGAIN, FANTASTIC SUPPORT BY THE ALUMNI TO WALK THEM THROUGH AND TALK THEM THROUGH THE EXPERIENCES THEY HAD AS PLAYERS TO GET THEM TO THE CURRENT PLAYERS.

>> ONE CHAMPIONSHIP DOWN AND 11 MORE TO CROWN.

AND SOUTHEAST BULLOCH FOR FLAG IN DIVISION I THEM.

WE SAW STRESSFUL MOMENTS ABOUND AND WE ARE SO GLAD YOU JOINED US HERE ON THIS MONDAY AFTERNOON.

DON'T GO ANYWHERE.

WE HAVE MORE COMING FOR YOU HERE ON GPB.

SO LONG AND GOOD AFTERNOON BUT ONLY FOR A MOMENT HERE ON GPB SPORTS.

> >> WELCOME TO THE SPORTS TAILGATE PARTY.

WE ARE LIVE AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

IT IS DAY NUMBER ONE AND ON THIS SHOW WHILE THE TEAMS WARM-UP, WE GET YOU READY FOR THE NEXT MATCHUP BY PREVIEWING IT.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO WILL SHOW UP AS WELL AS TALKING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE SURROUNDING THE TEAMS.

WE WILL NAME OUR ALLSTATE GPB SPORTS TEAM AND MORE.

1st WE CONGRATULATE THE YELLOW JACKETS FOR WINNING THE DIVISION I THEM FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THAT.

SO SOUTHEAST BULLOCH PULLED OUT THEREFORE TITLE IN A ROW WITH 13-6.

THRILLER IN OVERTIME.

THEY WERE COUNTED OUT AND THEY LOST FIVE SENIORS LAST YEAR AND THEY HAVE DONE IT AGAIN.

COLUMBUS TRYING TO GET THEIR 1st STATE TITLE.

ALLY LOFTON PLAYED HER HEART OUT AND ULTIMATELY THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DO IT AND CAME UP SHORT.

JOHN NELSON ON THE FIELD WITH THE YELLOW JACKETS, WHO ARE WE AWARDING TONIGHT?

>> IT IS THREE.

AND WE HAVE GEORGIA COTTON, THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR PLAYER OF THE GAME.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCORE.

SHE GETS THE HAD TO GO HOME TO BROOKLYN.

I'M GOING TO VIOLATE RULE NUMBER ONE FOR SIDELINE REPORTING, HOW DOES IT FEEL?

>> IT FEELS AMAZING.

WE WERE DOWN 1st HALF AND THEY SCORED WE KNEW WE HAD TO ANSWER AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID.

>> COMING BACK IN OVERTIME, WHAT WAS A CONVERSATION WITH COACH.

I KNOW SHE SAID TO BREATHE.

WAS IT DIFFERENT NOT?

>> PRETTY MUCH THE SAME, STAY CALM AND RELAX.

>> NEXT QUESTION, WHAT DOES FLAG FOOT WILL MEAN TO SEB IN THE COMMUNITY?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN GENERAL?

>> IT MEANS EVERYTHING.

THE FELLOWSHIP WITH FANS AND COACHES AND TEAMMATES, IT'S AMAZING AND A GREAT THING TO BE A PART OF.

>> AND THAT IS EMMA CATE BARRON.

THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR GEORGIA.

BACK UP TO THE 100 LEVEL AND HANNAH.

>> AMAZING JOB QB 1 AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YELLOW JACKETS FOR THE 4th TIME IN A ROW.

>> WE HAVE SO MANY PLAYERS BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE SHOWN UP ALL SEASON LONG.

IT IS TIME TO REVEAL THE 2024 GPB ALL-STAR TEAM.

>> AND THE STAND THAT ALLSTATE 2024 SQUAD.

STANDING OUT.

>> AND STARTING OUT WITH LOUIS WITH 46 TDs IN FIVE INTERCEPTIONS AND HEADED TO COLORADO.

AND HEADED TO MIAMI WITH 3300 YARDS.

A. J. HILTON HEADED TO MEMPHIS WITH FOUR TVs AND FIVE PICKS OF 3600 YARDS.

AND 33 TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS AND RUNNING AND PASSING FOR 2800 TOTAL YARDS.

AND FROM LATE COUNTY HEADING TO FLORIDA STATE WITH 4600 CAREER YARDS IN HIS TIME AT LEESBURG.

NICK WOODFORD WITH 60 TO HUNDRED YARDS RUSHING AND 88 SCORES.

ANTI-REESE WITH THE STATE RECORD OF 605 YARDS RUSHING IN THE QUARTERFINALS THIS YEAR.

AND COOK FROM SIT TO GO WITH 3000 RUSHING YARDS THIS SEASON.

AND TYSON THE ONLY NON-SENIOR ON THE LIST, A SOPHOMORE WITH 2100 YARDS AND 23 SCORES THIS SEASON.

AND WILEY FROM MILTON WITH 20 TDs IS HEADING TO GEORGIA.

ALSO JORDAN ALLEN FROM BUFORD HEADING TO GEORGIA TECH.

AND JAELYN ELDER FOR MORGAN COUNTY HEADING TO UAB WITH 94 CATCHES AND 20 TO TOUCHDOWNS.

AND LANDON HAS 20 TOUCHDOWNS ON HIS SENIOR SEASON.

ISAIAH MITCHELL FROM HOUSTON COUNTY WITH 19 SCORES AND OVER 1600 YARDS.

DEVON CARTER, THE ONLY NON-SENIOR JUNIOR FROM DOUGLAS COUNTY WITH 25 SCORES.

TRAVIS SMITH FROM WESTLAKE HEADED TO TENNESSEE WITH 13 TOUCHDOWNS IN HIS SENIOR YEAR.

AND ETHAN BARBARA FROM MILTON WITH TO THOUSAND RECEIVING YARDS AND 26 SCORES.

AND WILLIAMS FROM CANON CAMDEN COUNTY.

AND JOSH PETTY FROM FELLOWSHIP IS HEADING TO GEORGIA TECH AT 6'5" INTO HUNDRED 65.

ALL SENIORS.

AND GASTON FROM WESTLAKE HEADING TO GEORGIA 6'7" AND TO HUNDRED 45.

BOTH FROM HUGHES.

SIX FEET 300, TO HUNDRED 15.

IN 6'7" AND 345 HEADED TO AUSTIN, TEXAS.

THE ONLY NON-SENIOR AS A JUNIOR WITH CLOSE TO 30 TO HUNDRED TOUCHDOWNS.

AND FROM JEFFERSON WITH 1400 YARDS PASSING AND 39 SCORES ON THE YEAR.

AND HEADED TO STATESBORO WITH NEARLY 5000 CAREER YARDS.

TAYLOR FROM CAMBRIDGE WITH 3600 YARDS PASSING.

LEADING THE BEARS TO THEIR BEST EVER YEAR.

IN HEADING TO GEORGIA STATE WITH TO HUNDRED 15 AVERAGES YARD PER GAME AT 2100.

THAT IS YOUR 2024 ALLSTATE OFFENSE.

>> TIME TODAY FOR OFTEN TO PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND THAT IS QUARTERBACK JUJU LEWIS FROM CARROLLTON.

DANCES HIGH SCHOOL CAREER WITH 10,000 CAREER PASSES.

HE ALSO RANKS 5th IN THIS WAY STATE FOR CAREER PASSING TOUCHDOWNS.

THE SENIOR TAKING HIS TALENTS TO COLORADO NEXT SEASON.

NOW BACK TO JOHN FOR THE ALL-STARS ON DEFENSE.

>> AND NOW LET'S LOOK AT THE 2024 GPB ALL STATORS.

STACKED AS ALWAYS WITH SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN.

AND HEADED TO GEORGIA WITH 301 TOTAL TACKLES.

AND HEADING TO MIAMI.

BRYCE PERRY FROM BUFORD, ONE OF THE TO JUNIORS ON THE LIST WITH 109 TOTAL TACKLES SO FAR IN HIS CAREER.

AND 89 TOTAL TACKLES IN HIS CAREER.

AND HEADED TO AUSTIN TEXAS WITH 30 TO TOTAL TACKLES AND 18 SACKS.

AND OVER TO HUNDRED TOTAL TACKLES IN HIS CAREER.

ONE MORE YEAR TO GO AND AS A JUNIOR HAS TO HUNDRED 61 TOTAL TACKLES.

AND WALKER FROM SLIDE COUNTY HEADED TO GEORGIA.

AND LOOKED AT ALL NEXT SEASON AND IN GRAYSON WITH 127 TOTAL TACKLES SO FAR.

AND JADEN FROM BUFORD ALSO GOING TO KNOXVILLE.

AND MICHAEL HASTINGS WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY HEADED TO MORGANTOWN.

AND JADEN HEADED TO TENNESSEE.

BECAME ONE OF THE TOP RUNNING BACKS.

500 5'10" INTO 15.

AND HEADED TO ELON.

CHRISTOPHER STARR JUNIOR WAS EXACTLY THAT FROM SPENCER.

A SOPHOMORE WITH TO MORE YEARS IN THE WESTERN FRONTIER WITH 190 TO TOTAL TACKLES IN ONE SEASON.

AND HEADED TO GEORGIA TECH.

JADEN BAR FROM EASTSIDE GOING TO THE SAME SPOT.

AND FROM TOMBS COUNTY HEADED TO GAINESVILLE AND ROBBINS HEADED TO GEORGIA.

FROM CARROLLTON HEADED TO TEXAS.

THE NUMBER ONE SAFETY IN THE COUNTRY IN 2026 RECLASSIFIED TO 2025.

ASTRO FANS SAW A LOT HEADED TO ATHENS.

COURTNEY WILLIAMS FROM NORTHEAST AND INTERCEPTIONS HELPING THEM TO THEIR 1st EVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

>> IT IS THE PLACE KEEPING FITZGERALDS.

BRETT AS A SENIOR AT 47 AND 56 WITH 50 TO IN HIS CAREER WITH 98 CAREER TOUCH BACKS.

AVERAGING 40 YARDS PER KICK WITH 18 OF 30 TO.

AND JASON GLENN HELPING OUT.

A FIVE-STAR LONG SNAPPER RANKED 13 IN THE COUNTRY.

THOSE ARE ALL STATORS ON DEFENSE.

>> THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, TYLER ATKINSON.

ACCOUNTING FOR 70 TACKLES PERLOFF AND ACCORDING TO THE TO 47 SPORTS COMPOSITE RANKED THE NUMBER ONE LINEBACKER IN THE STATE AND NUMBER SEVEN IN THE COUNTRY.

>> >> AND FOLLOWING A TRAGIC SCHOOL SHOOTING IN ONE OF HIS ASSISTANT COACHES, WE ARE ALL APPALACHIAN STRONG.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 ALL-STARS.

NOW IT'S TIME TO GO TO ANOTHER OUTSTANDING PERSON.

THIS IS A SPECIAL GRANT WE DO EVERY YEAR.

IT YEAR AFTER YEAR, WE GET TO SHOWCASE THE STUDENT ATHLETES.

THEN A COMMUNITY MEMBER WHO IS GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND.

THIS YEAR IS MICHAEL FOWLER.

HE AND HIS WIFE STARTED SWIM FOR LIFE, A PROGRAM TO SAVE CHILDREN'S LIVES BY TEACHING THEM TO SWIM AND HERE IS THE STORY.

>> AND 2012 AND 13, WE HAVE LITTLE CHILD DIED WHO WAS FIVE YEARS OLD AND IT BOTHERED ME TO TELL APPARENT THAT.

>> I KNOW THAT MY JOB IS TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF DEATH BUT I WANTED TO PRESENT SOMETHING TO PREVENT SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN TO ANOTHER CHILD.

THIS IS A PROGRAM WE CAN DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT DROWNING AND THAT'S WHY WE CAME UP WITH SWIM FOR LIFE.

>> STATE WIDE, MANY KIDS DON'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM.

ESPECIALLY FOR AMERICAN THE KIDS, SO MANY DON'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM.

THE KIDS DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT ATTIRE TO GO INTO THE POOL.

WE WENT AND BOUGHT SWIMWEAR AND GOGGLES TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE SO THERE WOULD BE NO EXCUSE.

WE HAD FLIP-FLOPS AND WHENEVER THEY NEEDED TO BE COMFORTABLE IN THE WATER, WE GOT IT FOR THEM.

TO SEE A CHILD START THIS PROGRAM BEING ABLE TO SWIM THE LENGTH OF THE POOL.

THAT IS SO AWESOME.

THAT IS NOT JUST LEARNING TO SWIM, I WOULD LOVE FOR THEM TO BE A COMPETITION SWIMMER AND LEARN DIVING.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT ATHLETES WE WOULD HAVE TO EXPOSE TO THE WATER.

EVERY CHILD THAT CAME THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, NOT ONE OF THEM HAVE DROWNED.

WE KNOW PEOPLE DIE FROM HEART ATTACKS AND CANCER AND ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT WE CAN PREVENT.

DROWNING CAN BE PREVENTED IF YOU LEARN TO SWIM AND WE WANT EVERY CHILD TO LEARN TO SWIM.

>> I CONTINUE THIS MESSAGE.

WE HAVE OUR THREE-YEAR-OLD TWINS IN SWIM AND PLAN TO DO IT YEAR AFTER YEAR.

PLEASE TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO SWIM BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THESE ARE DROWNINGS.

CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL FOWLER.

NOW TIME TO CHECK IN WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY WITH ANOTHER IMPORTANT MESSAGE.

WE LOOK AT HOW STUDENTS CAN GET SCHOLARSHIPS TO HELP THEM DRIVE.

WE NEED TO LEARN TO SWIM AND LEARN TO DRIVE IN HERE IS THE MESSAGE.

>> AND THIS IS THE GEORGIA DRIVERS EDUCATION TO TALK ABOUT GRANT SCHOLARSHIPS.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOLARSHIPS AND HOW DO THEY HELP OUT SO MUCH?

>> THIS HELPS GO TO AN APPROVED DRIVE SCHOOL TO MAKE SURE THEY GET THAT IMPORTANT DRIVER TRAINING.

>> HOW DO YOU QUALIFY AND WHO CAN FOLLOW?

>> THE STUDENT MUST HAVE A DRIVERS LICENSE OR DRIVING PERMIT AND GO ONLINE TO GA HIGHWAY SAFETY.

ORG/GEC/.

IT IS BASED ON FAMILY INCOME AND FINANCIAL NEED IS IMPORTANT.

FILL OUT THE APPLICATION AND SUBMIT IT AND YOU WILL KNOW BY THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT MONTH IF YOU GET THE SCHOLARSHIP.

>> WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SEE THE PROGRAM GROW?

>> IT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A YOUNG PERSON CAN DO IS TO DRIVE A CAR AND DRIVE IT SAFELY.

UNTIL YOU GET YOUR JOB AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS ONE DAY.

TO DO IT RESPONSIBLY AND SAFELY IS IMPORTANT.

>> AND JUST TURNER FROM THE GD EC.

>> THANK YOU JOSH AND JOHN.

ONE MORE QUICK BREAK AND COMING UP NEXT WE GET READY FOR THE DIVISION 2 FLAG GAME.

WE HAVE SPECIAL GUESTS.

STAY RIGHT HERE ON GPB.

>> AND THE STATE FINALS REPLACED BY LOSS AND TRAGEDY.

MANCHESTER RESERVE AND TIGHT END BRANDON SMITH REPORTED MISSING BY HIS COACH ON SATURDAY.

UNFORTUNATELY, YESTERDAY, HE WAS DISCOVERED DEAD.

THE GPI AND MANCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE INVESTIGATING THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS DEATH.