To Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

The 2025 Georgia High School Football Championships, presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you, heads up, Georgia, parking your phone while driving saves lives.

Today, the class A Division one Championship Toombs County, the defending champ out of region three versus Worth County 14-0 and the region 18 champions.

As we say hello here from high atop the field, Larry Smith, along with my partner Sam Crenshaw.

Here we go yet again, another championship matchup here.

We can't wait for this one.

You know, a couple of teams here that are kind of new to the scene.

Toombs County had never been to the finals before.

They won it all last year.

Wright Worth County has not won it all.

Not been here since they won it all way back in 1990.

A long, long time for Worth County.

And they brought a lot of people up here with them.

They're looking forward to this because Jeff hasn't had this team ready to go.

They have a tremendous season rolling into this game.

They beat people to get here and they want to show put on a great show.

But then Toomer is your defending champion, new face at quarterback.

But they're ready to go.

Yeah, we'll talk about that in a moment as well.

Speaking of both, these teams know something about winning worth coming in undefeated 14-0 on the season.

Toombs, meanwhile, ten straight wins.

They have not lost.

Their lone loss was way back in September.

But as you mentioned, they had a lot of changes, a lot of players, key players who left from last year's team, one of the newbies that stepped in and has done a great job at quarterback.

Absolutely.

Joseph Owens has stepped in at the quarterback position and has asserted himself.

He comes in for TJ Stanley, remember who led them last year.

He's now playing over Georgia State.

This is the guy that leads them now.

Owens has come in and has had a productive season.

Worked very hard during the off season.

That's something coach told us that he was really impressed by him and you've seen it throughout the season as his progression has grown, he's got him ready to go for a championship.

Today and his counterpart on the other side for Worth County very different.

A player who has been a part of this program for three years and knows exactly what Coach Hammond wants out of him.

You know what though?

But just like Owens, this guy had to step in and replace a very successful quarterback.

Talking about Lyndon Worthy had to step in and replace a quarterback as a freshman.

He was given the keys to the car, as you will, and he has come on and done a tremendous job leading this team.

Now it's just a junior.

He's grown into it.

He has established in it, and he's very confident leader.

They're ready to see him lead this team today.

Doesn't run the ball very much.

Basically a pocket guy.

But he's very effective.

But he's got a couple of running backs we'll talk about later that that he doesn't have to because of them.

It's a very balanced offense.

You're going to enjoy watching this Rams offense in play this afternoon here at Mercedes-Benz.

The third member of our team.

Let's go down to the sideline and Madison Cruze Maddie.

Thanks guys.

This is the first.

Ever meeting between Toombs County and Worth County.

And last year like you guys had mentioned Toombs County won it all.

It was their first ever state championship.

And now they're looking to go back to back.

But Worth County, they're aiming for perfection.

They are chasing their first undefeated season ever in program history, and also their first state title since 1987.

Just 112 miles separate both of these programs.

But tonight, on the biggest stage in Georgia, high school football, one of them is going to make history once again.

All right.

Thanks so much for that.

Getting ready here to watch both teams come onto the field Toombs County in their visiting White.

The Bulldogs to our left and over here to the far side on the other side there black with yellow trim.

The Rams from Worth County in this one cannot wait to get going.

And this boy what a matchup we saw in the the girls flag football game.

The double overtime wasn't that great.

Amazing teams.

And I had a chance to watch both of those teams play during the regular season.

I'm not surprised at all that the way that matchup turned out between Milton and Blessed Trinity, two squads to know each other very, very well same basic area of the metro Now these guys got to try to top that.

Exactly.

Exactly.

And you and I had a good one last night with Bolton winning their fourth straight title.

What a thriller over Lincoln County.

We said it's too bad that one had one.

Had to leave without a championship because both played on a championship level.

They both played with the hearts of champions.

That's what we saw on display last night in the game between Bratton and Lincoln County.

Very sad that one had to leave without being the championship, but both showed it and left it all on the field.

Good.

Look here at both teams about to come on here as we're getting set by the way.

As Sam mentioned well represented in both of these programs coming up.

If you as you kind of look at the stands here and there, I mean the lower level behind both stands very, very well.

Representative.

And the cheer now for the reigning state champion, Toombs County Bulldogs.

And you see the flags saying, this is our house.

They came here.

They won it last year.

That's right.

And now on the other side, here comes Worth County.

The Rams again, 14-0 under Jeff Hammond getting ready for this one here on the Gray.

GPB glad you're with us.

We're happy to be here as well.

Second day of three days of competition here.

Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium a little warmer day today.

It was nice to, you know, carry the coat in, not bundle up.

Walking into the stadium.

Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely.

And these coaches that lead these teams both get a little emotional when you talk to them about the communities that they serve, what their program means, and the kind of support we're seeing that that support reflected when we look at the stands, the people, there's nobody left back home.

That's right.

Everybody made the trip.

Everyone is so invested in these young people in their success, and they want to come and share in this moment today.

Absolutely.

Great to see just the these young men, you know, and high school football doesn't only begin, you know, back when we were in high school, way back in the, in the dark ages.

Ages.

Yeah.

You know, centuries ago, you know, football began in August.

We got together.

These, these young men, now they get together.

Really?

In January, they'll take off the holidays.

They get right back into it.

This is a year long commitment for them.

And now they're here in the final stages.

It truly is.

And when you think in this classification now this is not your bigger classification.

So you've got a lot of these guys are playing multiple sports.

So they're going on you know, and they're having to go.

Some may be playing basketball some baseball season running track.

But they still put that time into the weight room, that time to bond with their football team because they know what it means when the fall comes around.

They want to be ready and all on the same page, you can see their number 83 Brodey Hancock ready to kick off for Worth County kicking Torre Nick Carroll on the other end for Toombs County.

And here we go.

The opening kickoff, brought to you by Heads Up Georgia parking your phone while driving saves lives.

And there it is.

A fair catch right there.

And that's where Toombs County will start this game.

First and ten.

Kick.

Keeping it away from Carroll.

And boy, what a season he has had.

You mentioned fair catch.

We'll get into him as his baseball plan as we go along to.

He's a remarkable baseball player.

You said back there you go.

There we go.

All right, so first and ten.

Good.

Look here at the quarterback.

We mentioned Toombs County Joesph Joseph Owens junior 511180 at quarterback.

Handoff inside.

And that's Justin Powell as we take a look at the starting lineups presented by delivered by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Your original neighborhood pizzeria and the starting lineups for teams on offense.

Lewis Taylor Pacheco, Langston and Benton across the front line.

Stevens.

We've talked about Carroll already.

Gavin Fletcher will call his name quite a bit.

That was Justin Powell.

You just saw three touchdowns in the semifinal win last week.

Quick toss outside escapes one.

Spins away from another.

And that's Gavin Fletcher who does it all for this Bulldogs team.

And he's out into Ward County territory.

Big first down big first down for him.

You want to get things going for some confidence in your offense.

You throw out, you get a quick pass out there to Fletcher makes a nice move to get around the defender and they're moving now.

First down a couple of big plays.

Now for this Toombs County offense again.

The defending champs won their first ever state title in their first ever appearance a year ago.

Here.

Over and over, play change from the sidelines.

Owens gets the call.

Worth County adjusting on defense.

Quick toss.

Good hands there by Carroll and he gets free.

Nick Carroll with one man to beat and he's in.

Touchdown!

Toombs County.

Just like that a minute 15 into the game and Toombs County draws first blood Sam Crenshaw and what a job there by Carroll who had two touchdown catches in the win last week at Heard County.

The job by Owens.

We talked about a lot of RPO.

That's what he has a chance to do.

Is he going to hand it off?

He held that ball to the very last minute and tossed it out to Carroll, who does the rest?

Great execution.

Dewhite Council there tried to stop him.

He was the last line of defense between he and the goal line.

Alex Otero.

The very strong leg comes through and kicks the p.a.t.

And just like that, it is a very quick score.

7-0 Bulldogs on top.

I am impressed with number 12.

I'm impressed with Joseph Owens and the way he really is executed quickly.

We only saw a couple of plays short sample size, but he showed you some things.

Here's a look at your scoring drive Larry.

Our scoring drive brought to you by DBHDD and the new Red ribbon 365 curriculum, three plays, 64 yards.

Again, if you went to get popcorn, you missed it a minute.

15 was all that it took.

Very quick score here for Toombs County.

There you go.

Look at Gavin Fletcher committed to Morehouse.

He's not far away, about an eight iron away from where we're.

That's right.

He can walk.

Walk there from here.

He could Toombs County.

I agree with you.

Impressed by the poise of Owens right there.

And we see now what coach was talking about.

He has the levity to do a lot of things depending on what he sees, and he executes it all very well.

He saw that in that first drive.

Now let's see how the Rams respond.

Otero now to kick off on the other end.

Worth County running up and grabbing that Jace Collier he's past the 30.

Gets out close to the 40 yard line.

So a great return there.

The Rams will begin with great field position on their first possession.

Handled that kickoff very well.

You know he didn't kick it deep enough to get it back toward the end zone.

And he had a returnable.

So he did get some yards.

And here are your starters on offense.

Yeah.

Starting lineup delivered by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Your original neighborhood pizzeria Brooks Sumner Wilson, Clark and White along the front line for Worth County Nelson Collier Griffiths, Jones and Farley are your skill players there behind your quarterback.

Lyndon Worthy first and ten for the Rams from the 39.

That's Chester in motion.

He's one to watch.

He'll catch passes out of the backfield as he does right there.

Short game before he is stopped by Justin Powell will bring up second down there.

Kaden Chester showing that he is very versatile.

We know he can do running the football, but also he can into the hands and help his quarterback as another receiver out of the backfield.

Very quickly.

Back to the line right now.

Good look there at Lyndon Worthy 2,804 yards passing 27 touchdowns on the season.

Another pass complete to Collier.

He's near midfield brought down there by Kareem Palmer.

Number 7.

And they'll move the chains first down.

To about Worthy.

He had to step in and replace a quarterback when he came in.

Chip Cooper had been the quarterback that preceded him, and after he left, people wondered who would be the quarterback at Worth County as a freshman.

You know, Worthy took the job.

He has stepped in three passes, three completions.

This time it's the Jaquaveon Nelson Jaquaveon Nelson.

Pardon me, short game there.

You'll see a lot of different guys catching balls.

As we take a look now at the defensive side, delivered by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Your original neighborhood pizzeria, Jordan, Johnson and Bullard are the three up front your backers McDonald, Palmer, Roy and Powell.

And then in your secondary Moore Carroll Scott and Donterrius Mincey.

The 510 junior second down Worthy in trouble.

Gets it away, and the coaching staff of Toombs County wanting a grounding call.

But they're going to say he was outside the tackle box.

Just an incomplete pass.

99 Hayden Bullard was bringing the heat about that defensive end.

Second down to go for Raines.

Here's a look at him.

Yet yet to see a running play mentioned again.

There are his numbers there.

He's completing nearly two thirds of his passes.

What a season he's had for these Rams.

Empty backfield now looking for Chester.

He's got him.

Oh but he was popped the name of that freight train.

Oh my goodness.

Wow wow.

Number 5 Alex Scott.

Alex Scott.

Let me introduce myself.

And he's on the wish list of a number of schools.

He's got another year to go.

But watch out.

Number 5 boy.

Turn it loose.

You got to give that up, boy.

That was just textbook perfect timing.

Great play there by Scott the junior.

As you mentioned already getting college interest.

A lot of places interest Ole Miss Georgia Tech, Missouri, Texas A&M.

So I brings Brady Weaver on to punter.

The senior number 13.

Looks that way to Carroll.

He has one touchdown already and a nice return there for Nick Carroll.

Just a sophomore this season.

He is having already nice return there on the punt.

And Toombs County the defense holds and the offense comes out for the second time in this game.

Special teams coach, you might want to kick the ball the other way.

Yeah.

Totally agree with you.

That guy is scary.

Look there at Buddy Martin third year coach, 37-4 What a great story.

A year ago they with withstood the tornadoes that came through.

Didn't play for a month.

Lost power for 16 days.

And he said thankfully we'd have to go through that again this year.

Running on first down.

They're still on his feet.

Justin Powell again.

Looks like he's going to be marched just short of it.

Now they're going to move the chains.

Coach Martin loves this guy.

Calls him the workhorse.

You can see why.

Yeah, he's getting work done.

Moving the chains for that first down.

Determined running.

And a couple of big touchdown runs in the fourth quarter of last year's championship game.

And picking up where he left off there with a ten yard run and a first down.

Owens looking to pass.

He's got a man downfield.

Overthrew him though trying to get the ball.

And they're going to call flag on the play.

Wow.

Flag number 9 Kevarius Tyler.

Trying to get the ball to Hunter Palma.

Pass interference.

Defense 15 yard penalty from the previous spot.

Results.

First down.

Patrick Ingram a referee.

And thanks again.

As we always say to everyone who takes the time to serve as referees and officials and youth sports throughout the state, throughout the country.

We can't thank you enough.

We salute you and we thank you for working with our young people.

15 yard penalty Bulldogs in Rams territory very quickly now.

They already have one score on the board trying to get another first and ten from the 48.

Hand off to Powell.

He stumbles ahead before he's brought down by Dewhite Council.

Let's take a look at that Worth County defense delivered by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Your original neighborhood pizzeria McGee Toomer and Wise up front, all upperclassmen.

Weaver, Smith, Muhammad and Sims your linebackers in the secondary Thomas Rockwell Council.

We've called his name Tray Matthews as well.

The 5-A junior six yard gain on that play.

Toombs County clicking the opening moments, but a false start.

There.

Will walk 5 yards off for the Bulldogs and it'll be second down.

And nine.

Offense.

Five yard penalty.

Still second down.

Presnap penalty.

Anxious Gatelin will have himself.

He's a junior.

6135 Brody Benton.

Quiet right now in the Barnes anticipating this second down play.

Owens looking deep.

Almost intercepted.

That was Trey Matthews, the cornerback.

In fact, intended for Gavin Fletcher who had to come in and play defense.

Knock that ball away.

That's right.

Knock it away.

Watch for Fletcher.

Zero is out there and he sees other guys going to get it.

Wait a minute.

We get a hand up and knock that down.

It's a big play here for the Rams defense.

Can they make a stop.

Owens.

On the move.

Got a first down.

Still moving.

We don't see him run very often but he's effective.

What he does.

A magician on that play because of the defender was right there to tackle him for a loss.

Watch 12.

But watch the defender come in.

Took a miss there and he saw plenty of opportunity to get the first down.

And more.

Big pickup there.

That was an outstanding play again on third down.

20 yards for Owens Powell again getting past the first line still on his feet.

Finally brought down there he is, shifty.

Well you got some guys up front to keep things moving.

71 Landon Lewis out there.

Got things going.

Yeah.

Powell 1,719 yards coming in on the season.

Has it again.

Goes up and over, gets a couple of yards.

It will be just short third and about one coming up after a game of two.

Malik Muhammad there you see zero in on the stop.

Very active on defense.

And Powell 33 touchdowns on the year.

You mentioned he had three last week in the semifinals.

He has it again spins away from one tackle.

First down and more spins down to the 11 before he's brought down by number 11 Daylon Smith the junior bandit.

Another first down for the Bulldogs.

Daylon Smith in on the stop but Powell showing you why he is the workhorse for this team.

Nice spin move getting those yards hard to bring down.

Running back really came on strong for this team in the second half of 2024.

And again a big year here in 2025.

He's still in the game.

Has it again inside the ten.

Well he likes to spin and get away from tacklers.

He does it almost every time.

Once he gets past the line of scrimmage.

He knows what to do.

He knows his offensive line that he's working with so very well.

The patience to wait for that hole to develop, run up.

52 Xzavier Taylor doing some work.

Those three right there.

Lewis Taylor Pacheco the center.

That's right.

Good work up there already.

Seven carries, 39 yards for Powell second and five.

And this time he runs into a wall.

King Toomer.

That's King good to be the king.

That's right.

Watch big 52 introduced myself.

They call me King for a reason.

That's right.

Great.

Stop.

Great.

Stop.

Number 6.

Chance Sims also there to help out.

As we're inside the red zone.

Brought to you by Alfa Insurance.

Loss of two.

Third and seven.

Now.

Owens doesn't get hurried at all.

Looking left overthrows his intended receiver.

Trying to get it again to Nick Carroll.

Already one touchdown reception in the game.

A little high on that one.

Brings up fourth down and the kick team comes on.

A little high and outside and off the left hand.

Nick Carroll couldn't bring that one in.

Short, stop frustrated.

Couldn't make that.

That's right.

So Owens now will hold for Alex Otero five of nine on the season on field goals as long as a 32 yarder.

This one is there from 26 yards and it's up and good.

Just over halfway through the midway point of the first quarter it's a 10-0 lead here for Toombs County a break on the field.

We'll step away for a moment as well.

Been a big start here.

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Heads up, Georgia.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh, hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

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Welcome back here to Atlanta 10-0 lead right now for Toombs County.

They have really.

Just played very very well here on offense early on 119 yards already to just 15 yards on the other side for Worth County.

That scoring drive brought to you by DBHDD and the new Red ribbon 365 curriculum 11 plays, 65 yards 422 there.

So very efficient right now.

Again holding on to the ball.

And Sam really again moving really pretty much at will in these opening drives.

You saw more throwing.

And that very first Short possession.

But second time you saw him come down and they run the ball a little bit more.

Better mix.

We talked about how balanced this offense could be for Toombs County.

And now we come back to see what they can do to get the ball back in the hands.

Long conversation there.

That's right.

By both coaches Jace Collier and Colby Griffis are both back to receive.

Look at Griffis right there.

Number four for Worth County again coming in region one a champion 14-0 on the season.

What a year they have had.

First trip to the title game since 1990.

Back then you played it outside.

That's right.

We're nice and comfortable here.

Nice and comfortable.

The roof is closed.

That's right.

Otero trying to kick away from those two, but instead it's Chester coming up and he's somebody that has proven to be dangerous as well.

Kaden Chester.

Tonight's Impact Players, brought to you by Breda Pest Management official pest control of high school football.

But, Sam, how about when Worth County has the ball?

You see, Trey Jones is one of the running backs.

He's as close to 1,000 yards, 21 touchdowns this season.

Jaquaveon Nelson also great target that Worthy loves to go to Toombs County side.

Hayden Roy big time on defense, we always seen already seen Alex Scott disconnect.

Dislodge the football with a big hit early in this game.

Trey Jones he's in there now in the backfield alongside Worthy gets the carry on first down.

He's brought down there by big number 98.

JaMarcus Johnson just a sophomore 65, 317.

Whoa whoa tiny fella.

There he is right there.

There he is.

He comes out again.

He's folks.

That young man right there.

He's a sophomore.

Yes.

Wow.

So still still growing.

Yes.

He is.

He's a big boy.

He brought him down there after a three yard game.

Empty backfield.

Now for Worthy.

Looking for Chester.

He's got him flat.

Nice move to get past the defender.

Still on his feet before he's finally brought down there.

What a great move.

Kareem Palmer brings him down.

But you see there why Kaden Chester is so dangerous for this offense.

You can see why you use him in so many different ways.

You can run him out in the backfield, get him outside a great elusive move.

Once he makes that catch.

, very impressive.

He comes out of the game, gets a breather.

Cody Toler Trey Jones.

An eight yard pickup on first down.

That's huge.

Again a very balanced offense here.

Sam.

You talked about the fact that Lyndon Worthy doesn't run very much because he doesn't have to.

He has an impressive 12 punch.

We've already seen him at work here this afternoon.

Quickly back up.

Hurry up.

Offense.

They don't waste any time Worthy to throw.

Has his man complete first down and more.

That's Jayden Farley his 29th catch on the season.

Farley almost 700 yards and nine touchdowns during the course of the season.

Nice catch here.

That moves the sticks once again.

Brought down by Alex Scott.

And so the Rams now on the move trying to get on the scoreboard for the first time.

Jones again it's Johnson again bringing him down.

He's busy.

He is he is.

Good drive here for the Rams.

Right there in the middle.

That's right.

It's going to be here all day.

Chester now in the backfield.

On second down.

Nifty move again.

Finally brought down boy what a move.

Hayden Roy on the tackle there.

But boy Chester is so hard to catch.

Number 24.

Just get the ball in his hands.

You'll do some great things for you.

Did on that play.

He stays in the backfield.

Another first down for the Rams.

Worthy for the man in motion.

And he's got him trying to get to the end zone.

Stopped just short.

What an effort there.

Defensively.

Great play by Roy.

But Trey Jones.

Roy Jase Collier.

Nick Carroll Nick Carroll.

Just not this time.

Getting his own one more time.

Nice move.

Cut back with number 2.

Are.

Big stop there.

So first and goal.

Jones.

Touchdown and Worth County gets on the board.

Touchdown.

Great drive Sam.

And a great answer to a Toombs County is able to do the first two series.

Great drive methodical drive.

You saw a bit of the run game.

You saw the pass game.

You saw that.

You really saw the backfield work.

And how versatile and flexible these running backs are.

Both Trey Jones and Kaden Chester featured in that drive.

Nice series there.

Brodey Hancock on for the extra point for the scoring drive.

Brought to you by DBHDD and the new Red ribbon.

365 curriculum eight plays, 66 yards.

Took just 257 to get that touchdown.

Hayden Short hold for Hancock kick and it is through 1:44 to go here in the first quarter.

And we've got the Rams on the board for the first time.

Let's go down to Maddie Crews.

Thanks guys.

Over here on the Worth County sideline.

And talking to head coach Jeff Hammond earlier this week.

He didn't he didn't underestimate how impactful Toombs County has been this season.

He called them the kings of the mountain.

Understands that they're one of the best teams that Worth County is going to be facing all season long.

Defending state champions and only one loss to a team that reached the 5-A semifinals.

But he also made it clear to his team that it's simple Worth County doesn't have to be better than Toombs County all year, just better for one day, he said.

No matter who's on the other sideline, this game is what they have been preparing for all season long.

So.

Right, Maddie, thanks for that.

They're so versatile.

On on offense, we talked about Jones 900 plus yards rushing.

Griffiths also 594 receiving.

But you look through these guys.

Lyndon Worthy has five different players receivers who all have caught at least 30 passes and at least three touchdowns.

So when you've got all these guys going out pick your poison because they all can catch the ball and they can move after the catch.

Also give his line credit though, because they have to give him time and they work very well for that.

Another short kick and a fair catch by Jase Pittman number 9.

And so good field position there for Toombs County.

They are trying to keep the ball away from their deep guys.

Don't want to get to that.

Don't want Carroll to get his hands on it.

We've seen already seen what he can do.

That's right.

Impact players brought to you by Breda Pest Management official pest control of high school football.

And Sam, how about the guys who are going to make an impact when Toombs County has the ball?

They've already introduced themselves.

We know Justin Powell could do with Nick Carroll has been spectacular already.

Brady Weaver is a hard hitter and Chance Sims as well in that, in that defense for Worth County.

You mentioned Powell.

He's there to the right of Owens fake handoff to him.

Instead it's Torre Carroll knocked away.

Great defensive play there against Carroll.

Nice job by Dashaun Rockwell.

Rockwell one of the big defensive players on this team.

Got 51 tackles, 28 solo stops this season.

He's a big hitter in that secondary.

Big play there as again on the other side Toombs County trying to get the ball into the hands of number 2 Carroll.

Number 3 Powell is often as possible second and ten.

How the handoff.

Great play by Daylon Smith to keep him to a short yardage brings up a third and long.

Now for the Bulldogs.

You can see what's been getting things done for worth for that defensive unit.

They're very active.

Toombs County shed those blockers, making stops.

Austin McDonald the left end number 58.

Plenty of time on the play clock.

Joseph Owens getting the change of play.

First year starter at quarterback for this Toombs County team.

Powell again sheds a blocker and gets it up across the 45 and a first down.

Well, I thought he had it, but he's so elusive.

Great effort by him to get the first down.

I wonder how this guy runs.

And coaches love guys who can run like this.

He runs with a lean.

He's leaning forward and watch how he goes.

Shakes off one defender and he's leaning.

He's just leaning forward.

He's going to pick up that yard.

Get that first down.

Chance Sims number 6.

Thought he had him.

But Powell just too elusive.

What a start.

He's off to here for Toombs County.

47 now, first and ten.

Owens on a keeper.

Until he's met by Khalijah Thomas.

The senior short gain there for Owens Queen showing his versatility.

Once again.

He's got those RPOs.

What he wants to do.

You put it in there for long.

Do you want to hand it off?

Do you want to take it out.

You want to throw a pass.

You want to call your own number.

And he read that one just right.

Talk about the players that they lost last year.

You mentioned again the quarterback TJ that's going over to Georgia State right now.

Quarterback from last year.

We'll talk more about that here after the time-out as we come to the end of the first quarter.

Lots of action both ways.

Toombs County with a couple of scores.

We just saw Worth County come back and get the answer with a touchdown of their own.

So 12 minutes in the books right now just getting underway.

The class A Division one championship, Toombs County trying to repeat his champion.

North County trying to take it away from him.

Second quarter play is next.

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Good shot outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If you haven't been downtown this that.

This area is just buzzing right now with construction and development.

We got nice paved roads and everything right for World Cup.

World Cup that's coming and we're in the place going to have eight World Cup matches will take place in this very building where we are.

The world is coming back to Atlanta.

We remember when a game the last time.

That's right.

We were here in 96.

That's right, that's right.

And to see all the growth you mentioned the former CNN center being renovated, all the growth and the the gulch, the railroad gulch across the street here.

So you come through this area, you don't recognize it even just a year ago.

It's amazing.

It is.

So we switched sides right now.

Second down and seven for Toombs County.

And boy the Rams were in the backfield in a hurry.

Great effort there by Powell just to make something positive out of that because they were all over him there as soon as he got the ball from the quarterback.

Mike Wise was first one there 23 the end, but he couldn't hang on to him.

Ended up picking up 5 yards.

Yeah.

Brings up third down and five.

That's Fletcher bottom of your screen.

Spread out wide.

Powell again.

Just moving the pile enough for a first down.

Khalid name again.

Ar'xavier.

Taylor.

He's just following 52.

It's a 52 and right on your back.

Keep going.

I'm going to follow you.

Got somebody down right now.

And it is Taylor who's down.

Taylor is down.

Tackled by number 23.

Mike Wise.

So a stop and play for a moment here as they tend to Taylor.

Hope it's nothing serious Sam we're talking about this Toombs County team.

And you know all the players they lost from last year TJ Stanley you mentioned the star quarterback now at Georgia State.

Garnes Heyward down at Florida.

Now he was a star on both ends on wide receiver defensive back.

Mike Polk was the title game MVP.

He's now at Mercer.

Devin Wiley state champion wrestler also in the team.

So a lot of pieces they had to replace and so impressive able to do that in such key key roles and to get back here to Atlanta.

Absolutely.

They're back here playing for the state championship once again a lot of people say, you know, can you repeat.

Can you get back.

It's easier said than done.

But they've done the things they had to do to get there.

Once again, a pivotal game last year was the game against Rome.

They beat Rome and shocked a lot of people.

Rome got them this year, but still, even from that, this team grew.

Yeah.

And he talked about when we talked to him this week, he said, you know, that was the thing was he said last year was a pivotal game because we knew we could play on their level this year.

He said it was a different vibe at halftime, a little too complacent.

It was a wake up call for them.

They haven't lost since.

Good to see.

The player coming off the field there.

Touchdown.

But a flag on the play.

Justice Wilds again, the player was Taylor who came off the field under his own power flag on the play.

Let's see if it's what's going to happen here.

Looks like it's coming back.

He's coming back.

Coach Martin not going to be happy about that at all.

An eligible receiver downfield on the offense.

That's a five yard penalty from the previous spot.

Replay first down.

Well that hurts.

Yeah.

Coach Martin doesn't like that.

Here's Taylor back in the field.

Good to see him there.

Good to see him back out there.

His team Roy just as wild.

Just popped open there and there was nobody around.

I saw the flag come out so quickly.

As part of the conversations about over there.

But it's a five yard penalty.

No touchdown.

Take it off the books.

First and 15.

Now for the Bulldogs.

Second quarter just underway.

Toombs County took the 10-0 lead before Worth County answered Powell again.

Stopped by Jase Pittman number 9.

The ball come out.

The ball came out and they're saying he was already down.

Yeah, he's already down.

Tyler Eason on the stop there.

Kevarius Tyler watch number 9.

Big stop.

And the ball came out for a moment.

It did.

Friendly bounce right back to Powell.

He got it back there.

It was their guy.

Correction.

Thanks for that.

Tyler.

The stop.

As I called out, Pittman was number 9 on Toombs County.

That's my.

Got two back there this time.

Stopped in a hurry.

How about that?

Austin McDonald on the stop.

McDonald Chance Sims Chance Sims.

Yeah.

He is a hit man for this defensive unit.

124 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, four sacks, even five picks.

Does everything but drive the bus.

Collins out of the game.

Alex Scott number 5 in the backfield with Owens.

He gets the carry and he's met in a hurry by Sims again dominating series right there by the defense.

We've got a flag on the field.

Right in front of the Toombs sideline here.

Patrick Ingram.

Ingram formation on the offense.

That Penalty's been declined.

Fourth down.

So fourth down and ten.

And the punt team likely will come on.

Gavin Fletcher number 0 is the punter.

And he's in the game.

Coming back to receive is Kaydin Chester for the Rams.

He's down about his own ten yard line.

Kaden Chester.

Again, we've seen them on kickoffs try to kick away from him, but he will actually play up and will.

If you kick it short, he'll get the ball and try to do something with it.

Snap.

Great job to get that away.

Chester with a dangerous decision there to collect it at five at the five yard line.

It really was.

That was kind of spinning and that was dangerous.

But good hands by Chester Torre to get that and keep him going into the end zone.

Time out here on the field.

919 to go until halftime.

It's the Bulldogs on top of the Rams back on offense coming up next.

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What?

Come on.

Oh!

Come on.

Oh, what a bad call.

No, no.

You have no business being out there.

Terrible.

You know, I'm a person too.

The governor's Office of Highway Safety reminding you.

Heads up.

Georgia.

Parking your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Back here, inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

A reminder we've got halftime coming up.

Nelly and Nicki scores and highlights.

Looking ahead to tonight's games as well.

Busy busy busy.

Busy busy day.

Great and great stories coming up in all the games that are coming up.

Hope people will stay with us today wherever they may be.

Watching.

GPB team does such a great job of telling those stories behind the scenes of how we got here and all the hard work putting in by the communities all across the state to make this happen.

We talked about the balance on offense.

It's been really very much a passing game.

There's a rare run for that's Chester with the ball, but he's tripped up by a couple of defenders, including Alex Scott.

Number 5.

Short gain there on first down.

JaMarcus Johnson.

But a balanced offense between the two but 67 yards passing and and actually lost a yard there.

So 13 yards rushing for the Rams in this game.

Trying to establish more of that run game.

Try to get that balance in the offensive attack.

That's how things have worked for them this season.

Empty backfield now for Worthy.

Gets it out to one of his speed guys and he's got it going.

That's Jace Collier still on his feet.

First down and more.

What a move by Collier Boyd deceptive speed.

He made a cut to get past the defender and had all green in front.

Of him.

Jace Collier but watch the defenders.

It's a well executed play.

Those linemen release.

Get out there to give him room to work.

Nice play there to get out of the shadow of their own goal post.

Out to the 19.

Chester trying to find some daylight but boy, not there.

Not much there at all by just a host of players.

Number 24 M.J.

Burton among them.

Right side.

Payton Hayden Roy also the senior linebacker, six foot 205, called his name several times.

He's been busy.

He's bound for Mercer next fall.

Great program down there in Macon.

3 yards on that play.

Chester again, trying to string it out.

And he does.

Finally gets a Turner corner at the corner.

Turned, I should say, before he's knocked out by Roy.

Easy for me to say.

He was determined to turn that corner just a bit.

Nix give the defense credit, they really strung him out.

Made him take it wide.

Yeah, I was determined to to say that correctly.

It's all about the effort, Sam.

All about the effort.

It it is.

There.

You're getting 100% effort today here, folks.

That's right.

No doubt.

Oh got a big third down play here for for worth.

Big play.

Chester in the backfield.

We just saw Collier come out.

Play clock down to three.

Chester in motion.

Nice reception for him.

Nice move to get the first down.

Powell there on the tackle, but not before he gets enough out to the 30 and they'll move the chains first out again.

Chester out of the backfield once again.

And we've seen him do a lot so far this afternoon.

With that.

Just gets enough room to move those sticks.

Powell tried to deny him that yard, but he got it.

Seventh first down for this Worth County offense.

Now.

Jace Collier back in the game.

He's in the backfield.

And in motion.

There.

And that's Jaden Farley with the catch but met very quickly there.

Nice move by Donterrius Mincey.

Donterrius Mincey one of the big time players for this defensive unit.

Shows you why right here.

Steps up and makes that stop.

Just a 1 yard gain on that play.

Worth County has never led in this game.

Fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter.

Worthy.

Incomplete on that pass.

Trying to get it again to Farley and brings up third and long.

Worthy.

Getting some pressure at the move from the pocket.

Make a pass.

Throw it away.

Trey Jones back in the game.

Now he's in the backfield.

Here the Toombs County fans cheering on their defense, urging them on to make a stop here.

Worthy overthrows the intended receiver Colby Griffis.

And that'll bring up fourth down.

And the Rams will be forced to punt.

Both defenses settling in here now Sam.

Yep yep.

And Worthy just kind of sailed that one over his intended receiver.

For Toombs County fourth down.

The Rams.

Worthy on the afternoon nine of 11 87 yards.

Weaver Brady Weaver is on the punt.

That's Scott back to receive.

To low kick.

Fair catch for Scott at the 30 1 yard line.

So that's where.

Alex the fair.

Catch.

The Bulldogs will take over from there.

Here at the 637 mark.

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Beck to the side of the field right now.

Toombs County came out strong.

The first two drives on offense.

He can get something going here.

Some kind of flow in this series starting at their own 31.

Owens quickly out to his receiver.

Wilds had a touchdown call back because of a penalty earlier and a short gain there for 3 yards and a first down.

That's kind of what we saw to start the game in the very first possession.

That quick out pass out there.

See if you can't get a little bubble screen working possible possibly.

And they went to that several times last week against Heard County.

And it worked for them.

Got four wide again here.

Pass complete yet again out to the side.

That's Brandon Stevens, the junior.

Another short gain.

Dashaun Rockwell.

The star running back Powell with coming in 1,700 yards on the ground for him out of the game right now.

Has not been in for this entire series yet.

Mincey in at running back.

He played some.

Fletcher and Carroll up to the top of your screen.

Stevens at the bottom and.

Wow.

Legal procedure.

False start penalty.

Still third down.

And Owens had Mincey make a move from one side of him to the other, and right after that the flag comes flying out.

Not quite in sync right now.

The Bulldogs offense.

That goes back 5 yards now.

Third and nine.

It seemed like they wanted to do something different with this particular possession.

We've seen four wide Powell not in the in the backfield.

Not in the game.

Wells looking to throw but that was knocked down.

Great play there.

Defensively.

Pass.

On scrimmage.

By Joshua McGee.

The left end got his hands up.

Joshua McGee who's been the sack man for this team ten sacks this season.

But he gets his hands up and make a very important pass deflection.

There.

Jahiem punt formation.

The twos.

Chester eight for the Rams.

So that brings up fourth down fourth and nine.

Fletcher is on to punt.

Chester back to receive at his own 29.

Fair catch.

Called for there at the 31, and that's when the Rams will start their.

Let's see if we see Fletcher.

I'm sorry Powell in this again, he said.

Star running back did everything for this team during the season but was not in that series.

He's on the sideline here about the 35 yard line.

Helmet on, ready to go in.

But he is not in on defense either.

We'll watch and see with number 3 because right.

He plays on both sides of the ball.

And.

Been a workhorse already.

13 carries for 60 yards.

Make that 58 yards.

He did have the one loss 13 for 58 in the game for him.

So now Worth County's turn it's become a defensive struggle here in the second quarter.

Handoff left side.

That's Jones gets a nice pickup on first down.

Roy among the players there to make the stop.

Hayden Roy Kayne.

Gain five second down and five.

Five yard pickup.

Great stop by Roy.

You mentioned this Worth County team.

First time here since 1990.

They won it all back in 1987 as well.

Trying to add a championship trophy to the trophy case.

Nice push off there.

Nothing called.

And what a catch.

Great job.

Right on the money.

Jaquaveon Nelson little nudge there to separate himself from the defender and the big play for Ward County.

Here's a replay.

Nice going.

Hit Hughley.

Say that.

Little nudge.

Nudge play that.

Oh yeah.

He hauled it in though.

Big first down catch.

Great concentration and a big play for the Rams as they're now down deep into a Bulldogs territory.

Worthy again with a pass catch and a first down and then some Torre Jace Collier and the Rams getting something going back to back plays to get first downs.

Now this offense is up and rolling.

It's what you expect to see from this team and what they've done in the course of this season.

You see why Worthy finding his targets.

Another first down.

Larry.

Yeah.

Worthy now 11 of 15 for 119.

And the Rams moving, trying to take the lead for the first time in this game.

Class A, Division one championship run up the middle by Jones.

But it goes nowhere big.

Mr.

Johnson is there.

Called his name several times.

Yep 24 MJ Burton also in there.

And on the stop.

Actually a loss of one.

Rams.

Rams stepping up now.

Ball at the 20.

Worthy.

That ball is caught.

Great concentration by Colby Griffiths.

Jakobe.

Griffis.

Impressed with the arm here.

He just rifled that one out there.

Griffiths.

His first catch of the day.

37 catches, three touchdowns, averaging 16 yards per catch on that a great effort there.

You talked about Worthy in this distribution to so many different receivers so many different targets.

Wildcat formation now Chester the direct snap.

Nice play on third down.

He's going to come up short.

It's going to be fourth and about one.

Got a flag.

The flag on the flag on the play.

Are.

Illegal formation five in the backfield on the offense.

Five yard penalty from the previous spot.

Replay third down.

So they tried a little trickeration there bringing the quarterback Worthy off the field.

Wildcat formation.

Chester there.

We know what he has done again the entire season.

More than 1,300 rushing yards coming in.

But penalty takes it away.

So now a third and nine.

Worthy under pressure throws it away.

Another flag.

And another flag.

And a helmet comes off there for Hayden Bullard number 99 for Toombs County had to come out for a play.

Sort this out.

Listen to Patrick Ingram, give us the call.

There are two fouls on the play.

Both live ball holding on the offense.

Holding on the defense.

Those penalties offset.

Replay third down.

Yeah there we go.

Something for everybody if you will.

I think we hear more boos from the Worth County folks.

And they don't care for that one too much.

That's right.

Chester Kase in Griffith is up there.

Split to the right of your screen at the top of your screen.

Third and nine.

Collier in motion.

Worthy under pressure.

And another flag is down.

This is about the 19 yard line near the line of scrimmage.

The flags.

53 Kyrell Williams.

In on that stop.

Toombs County defense.

Getting a formation in the backfield on the offense.

That penalty is declined.

Fourth down.

The penalties in this game.

This has been Toombs County three for 15 worth two for 20.

Although again the last two was offset and then this one was denied.

So.

They will now go for the field goal to to tie it up.

Brodey Hancock, the sophomore is on.

A 35 yarder.

Up and.

Good.

So Hancock 35 yard field goal comes through and we have got a tie ball game.

Nailed that one.

Yeah.

Nice effort there by the Rams from Worth County.

You don't get the six points, Larry.

But you come down and you don't leave empty handed.

Yeah.

You know he had a drive.

He got some things going in your favor, got some great pass completions there from Worthy to get more confidence.

We talked about distributing the ball to different receivers, moving the ball and getting them into scoring position.

And they come away with three.

Absolutely.

Here's your drive.

So the scoring drive now brought to you by DBHDD.

And the new Red ribbon 365 curriculum seven plays, 50 yards 223 off the clock.

And we're all tied at ten.

So the start of the game belonged to Toombs County.

But give Worth County credit, making some defensive stops, working it down the field to tie this game at ten.

Absolutely, absolutely.

All elements of the team coming together, right.

Coaches will tell you it is defense.

It is defense.

And special teams.

And that's what we just saw executed for this Worth County team.

Now let's see how tunes is going to respond because we saw them have some difficulty in Justin Powell not on the field for that last offensive possession.

So we see him back on this one, possibly kickoff is taken deep.

That's Fletcher has that and he is pounded down.

Guess who your man.

Oh Chance Sims saying hello.

Let you know I'm still around.

Defense special teams.

I'm out here.

Tackling.

Oh, look at this.

Six says I see you.

You're in my sights.

Boom!

And he had gone airborne too to avoid another defender.

And so it's like hitting a pinata.

He's knocked down in Fletcher.

Not he's not a he's not, not a small guy.

He's a big time hit.

Daylon to Wyatt spins away from one tackler, still going Wilds and brought down by Dashaun Rockwell not before they get a first down for the Bulldogs.

Once again, it's Toombs first play in the position.

Going to throw that pass outside, get it out to the Wilds who was able to shake that first defender and get those yards after the catch.

Picking up the first down.

While still in the game.

By the way, Powell is back in.

He was in on that last defensive series for Toombs County.

He's in the game now in the backfield.

After taking that last series off.

And he has the ball.

Again boy, he just moves.

So Lowe Brady Weaver the tackle.

But boy he just with that lean he's hard to hard to grab on to.

And that's it.

When you tackle him you're ever going to do he's going to fall forward.

He's going to lean forward.

He's going to get you something.

Plus yardage.

And that's just seems to be his game and what he intends to do.

Brady Weaver in on the stop their.

14th carry of the game there for Powell gets it 2 yards.

Under 3 minutes.

Owens Johnson throw away boy he has met there and then he gets away.

Nick Carroll so elusive.

He was all bottled up.

How does he do it?

He has a Houdini.

Territory.

The defense blows up the screen, right?

They get around Fletcher and Steele some kind of way.

Carroll gets away.

Council was there.

Matthews was there.

They did everything right.

Except get the man with.

The ball.

That's right.

And now being a 27 yard pickup.

And now the Bulldogs.

Have something going here.

Owens trying to get it to Wilds knocked away.

Nice play there by Khalijah Thomas.

The senior makes an incomplete pass on second down.

Coming up.

Great.

Stop by Thomas.

Broken up.

By.

Read that play perfectly.

Got a hand in there?

Nice effort there.

Good.

Look at King Toomer.

We've called his name already.

The big nose tackle.

Senior.

Here, just midway through day two here at the football state championships in Atlanta.

And it has been outstanding so far and so much more to come.

Powell leaning forward takes a lot of guys to bring him down.

They finally do.

Austin McDonald number 58 was one of the first to get a hand on him.

But even when they get him down, he falls forward.

I mean, he's plus yardage.

That's what you're going to get from him.

Even when the defense gets to him after his short game.

Powell numbers 15 carries, 63 yards.

First touchdown of the game was Owens to Carroll, a 42 yarder.

Just a minute 15 into the game.

Boyd County has come back to tie it at ten.

Third and seven Powell again.

Left side breaks open.

First down, still on his feet.

What an effort by Powell.

Stopped by Rockwell but they moved the chains again and were on the move.

Chance Sims look at that hole!

Open up!

Great blocking.

Chance Sims had a shot at it.

Missed him.

Both teams have all three Time-outs under 90s to go until halftime.

Toombs County defending state champion trying to go into the locker room on top.

Powell.

Stopped early.

Joshua McGee.

The left end number 48 was there early to keep him to minimal yardage in the first first down of this game, being called by Toombs County.

Will have.

So 1:02 to go.

We mentioned again Toombs County, the Bulldogs, defending state champions from last year, and here's how they got here in the playoffs.

As you can see, they just completely obliterated temple in the opener 50-6 Then a couple of tighter games.

Thomasville and Northeast before the convincing win against Heard County last week.

That's a very good Heard County football team.

They were able to get by in the semifinal round.

And that was impressive.

Last week we mentioned that Justin Powell had three rushing touchdowns in that game.

Owens had a couple of touchdown passes in that game.

Both of those to Nick Carroll.

They've already connected again for the first touchdown here.

The only touchdown for the Bulldogs so far.

In fact Carroll 130 receiving yards in that semifinal game.

And he's just a sophomore.

Somebody again that we've talked about bringing other guys back in for key roles as an underclassmen.

He has filled the void by some of those graduating seniors last year.

He certainly has.

He stepped right into it quite well.

Role fits him like a glove.

Sure does.

Second and nine.

Now Powell again goes left side.

Look at the pile moving.

Boy, that was an extra five 6 yards after contact.

You got to get it up to this line, man.

These guys have been working over there.

Brodey Benton working big time for them.

Time out again for Toombs County.

Their second 52 seconds on the clock.

But yeah, to your point, this this offensive line has been outstanding.

There you look at Benton right there, 63.

75 RJ Langston.

Look at Worth County 14-0 Here's how they got to the playoffs.

69-0 over.

McNair.

And then again, some tighter results after that.

A close call against Beck County.

Get past them Gordon Lee.

And then last week 32-12 to get here to Atlanta.

And coach Jeff Hammond his fourth year over the Rams program, 36-13 Coached at Spalding for a year before that.

Yep.

The coaching staff were talking about it.

And Colquitt County.

Three straight region titles, their first since 1990.

That's special.

So trying to cap it off here and go 15-0 with the state championship.

So third and 150 0:02 to go.

A stoppage in play.

We're not sure what.

This play is under review.

So we got a review.

So I did see in the huddle Worth County was up, one of the players motioning the other way like maybe I don't know, the ball came out.

I didn't see that on the replay, but.

Let's look at our replays and see what we can find.

Kevarius Tyler coach Buddy Martin.

That's where they look at.

They're going to go down and take a look.

And you would know the, the, the screen on which they view it is at the other side of the field.

So and we have to know this about the process, the officials who get a chance to work the games here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you know, have to be certified with how to work with this because it's not something they do each and every week.

Yeah.

Sam, to that end.

So not sure what they're looking at, but here is our angle of it.

Ball seems like he's there all the way to the ground.

Yeah.

On that replay.

Now, if there's a different angle even.

But even when he hit the ground and came back, it was still cradled in his arm.

So not sure if.

It's if it's something there.

What else they could be looking at.

With the spot of it.

Maybe that you're Short you're a foot, you're a yard short.

So.

But you were saying they have to be certified to use this, this system.

When you talk about officiating, you know, you have guys who can work each and every week.

Then there's a certain level they get to work postseason.

Not everybody is postseason.

And then the certification for working in this building, most of them you see play in the opening weekend of the season when games are here.

And then, you know, they come back for a refresher.

Just, you know, things that they're going to monitor.

And sure, the rules do change a bit even for this from season to season, but you got to come in and be certified to do this.

Here's an additional member of the officiating crew, additional members, officiating crew for this reason.

So but the adaptation has been made.

Okay.

And as we mentioned yesterday, we had our little role in that.

Yeah.

We were the guys on the call of the play that changed all of this.

Yeah, we brother will always be linked.

We'll always have.

That man.

We'll always have that right.

It went viral all over the place.

Exactly.

But it's great to see that we have the technology and it is being used.

Agreed, agreed.

So it is a it is a different system, different set of rules for the championship round.

Is that accurate or.

No.

Just just different officials with because you get to use this equipment that you don't normally use.

Okay, okay.

You only get to use it when for the championship games okay.

So it may be that it's they may be I think the argument may be is it a first down.

Because if you're looking at the spot again that was just a big rugby scrum.

That was kind of following Powell there.

But it appeared it stopped.

And that could be the mark.

It could be that they're getting another look at it.

Yeah.

So when we resume third and one for the moment, 52 seconds left.

And again, if you're just joining us, this is the class A Division one championship.

Tombs jumping out to the 10-0 lead.

It was Owens to Carroll 42 yard pass.

And then Otero with the field goal making it 10-0 Let's get the call now.

From Patrick.

In review, it was determined that the runner was down at the 9.5 yard line.

It'll be third down.

Okay.

Much to the chagrin of the Toombs County folk.

So yeah, they wanted that extra half yard.

So he got.

A because look at.

A yard.

Look at that third down marker.

He's right up against that yard to gain.

So now it's more like maybe about a foot short instead of a yard and a half.

Maybe it's.

So 10-0 And then worth a touchdown and a field goal to tie it.

Since falling behind 10-0 Here we go.

Third and very short.

And another stoppage of play.

And it's a time-out now for Worth County.

Worth County.

It's their first time out of the half.

Coach Hammond want to take a look at what he's got, what things are lined up.

Let's go down to Maddie.

She's down there in the area.

Maddie, what do you see?

Thanks, guys.

Yeah.

During that review, they were actually looking to see where the where the ball initially had felt they were looking to where to spot the ball.

So that's why it took so long.

They were trying to see exactly where the player went down, where the ball went down to get things spotted.

That's why you saw that things kind of adjusted a little bit there.

But that's what the review.

And that's why it was so long as well making sure it was accurate.

Yeah.

And we've said before we were talking a conversation before the game today and our workspace and you know, just saying that some of the calls yesterday were, were lengthy to try to go through and some of the replay.

But you and I again, having been a part of that play a few years ago, we encouraged to take the time to make sure you get it right.

That's what it's there for.

Well, it's there, but it isn't supposed to take so very long.

There is, you know, looking to do it.

With regard for time.

But at the same time, you do want to make the right call.

Teams have worked very hard to get to this game.

You want to get it right?

Yeah.

And we should say too, we have our angles here on GPB, but there are some other camera angles available to the officials.

So just because we're showing you that it's not conclusive in terms of what they can see.

Okay, back to action.

Now.

Third and very short for the Bulldogs.

Powell bruising his way through to the first down.

And that's Brady Weaver says hey I got the ball.

But the officials don't agree.

Say he was already down.

There would be a first down.

Stop.

Time out.

Toombs County.

That is the third and final time out of the half.

So Toombs County it's third and final time-out of the half again.

Worth County 14-0 we've talked about again their first time to the finals since 1990.

They won it all as well back in 87 and in 1990, seeking the first undefeated season.

You know, Jeff Hammond coming in.

We mentioned his fourth year, bringing some stability to this program.

He's the tenth head coach in the past quarter century for this program.

Had a lot of guys coming in and out there.

But he's brought some stability and some some consistent success.

Now to this program.

Absolutely brought some some success.

I understand, he told the folks, look, I want to get to the state championship game in three years.

You can fire me.

But but but he still it's the fourth year and he got him here.

I don't think they'll turn him away.

I think folks are very happy to have him down at Worth County.

Yeah.

We mentioned to that three region championships the last three years.

I'm sorry, the last yes.

I'm sorry.

Six region titles for them.

Three of those in the last three years, six region titles overall of the school that opened in 1960.

They won the region two, 2023, 2024 and again this year.

Raise the level of.

Raise the level of expectation.

That's right.

Powell with the handoff first end of the line and falling forward.

For the five yard line.

Right behind big 75 RJ Langston follows 75.

There.

Right there.

Now.

Second and goal again.

The Bulldogs, without any time-outs left.

Powell again.

Close to the goal line.

But he's brought down there.

No time out.

They got a hurry.

Third down there at the two.

And they spiked the ball to bring up fourth down.

And they're going to kick the field goal and get the points.

Alex Otero kicked a 26 yarder in the first quarter and made it 10-0 And he comes on now with Owens to hold.

Looks like it'll be a 19 yarder.

Otero strong leg leg press over 400 pounds.

And a time-out on the field.

This time it's Worth County.

Worth County.

Wants.

To talk.

Second time-out of the half.

Stay with us.

Halftime is coming up.

Our halftime show.

Nelly and Nikki.

Recapping it.

But if you have not seen if you just are joining us the first game earlier today, flag football.

What a game that was double overtime.

It was as thrilling as you would ever want.

Scoreless through the first three quarters.

And then all the drama in the fourth quarter in overtime.

Absolutely, absolutely.

And if you watch that, you'll see what all the excitement is about with the growth of girls flag football throughout the state.

Shout out to really to the Falcons and the Arthur Blank Foundation for their support and encouraging it.

Statewide over 300 schools I think are playing in the state right now.

We're starting to see college programs pop up, which means dollars for college parents like them.

Dollars.

That's right.

You know, so that's it's happening.

Going to see a great one tomorrow morning.

All Cobb County McEachern against Pope in the final.

Girls Flag Finals coming up tomorrow.

Again the quarterback Owens is a holder.

Puts it down for Otero.

He kicks it through and it's good.

And Worth County with 6 seconds left until halftime.

Retake the lead.

Make that Toombs County retakes the lead for Otero second field goal of the day 13.

And that gives you a little momentum, a little, little bounce as you head into the locker room.

Get set for the you know, for the second half of this game.

Take a look at the scoring drive brought to you by DBHDD and the new Red ribbon.

365 curriculum, 13 plays, 73 yards 319 is what it took.

Very efficient way to go through.

Use all three time-outs to get it just right.

Decided not to go for the touchdown there on fourth down.

Take the points instead and be guaranteed.

You know the halftime lead.

I'm sure there's some armchair quarterbacks back there saying you know when you just want to take a shot at the end zone and you just see what happened.

But you know what?

You take those points and you have the lead.

You run off these 6 seconds and you take the lead into the locker room.

Halftime here in the state championship game.

That's right.

Collier and Griffis are back deep.

To receive this kick again.

But watch number 24.

Kaden Chester is up about the 20 yard line.

And if you kick it short away from those guys he is dangerous as well.

It's like having three star receivers returners if you will, on this special kickoff formation.

Otero will kick away from him as well.

Brown Ball to the other side.

Picked up and on the move.

Great play there.

By Trey Matthews on special teams and Hawkins at zero.

Please reset the game clock to 2 seconds.

There we go.

Okay, that didn't feel like 6 seconds.

Okay.

No I figure everybody's saying something, but the Worth County team didn't move him.

Move a muscle.

They did not flinch.

We got some time here.

So worth coming.

Worth County coming out.

Look at this defensive alignment.

You're going to see here from for Toombs.

Now look at this thing.

They're going to make sure.

Only three guys on the line.

And they'll just take a knee.

Yep.

Won't even give it a shot.

And they will get the ball first I believe to start the second half.

And boy what a first half of play.

The first 20:04 minutes here.

Thrilling.

We had some offense some good defensive stops as well.

But the defending champion Toombs County had late field goal, making it a 1310 lead here at halftime.

Can't wait to hear more about what the coaches think into this second half.

Again, the coach of North County, Coach Hammond was saying, we don't have to be good.

365 just for this one day, we we have to be good.

So, okay, tonight's coach's interview brought to you by Johnny's New York style pizza, your original neighborhood pizzeria.

Matty is with the coach.

Coach, how important was it to get those extra three points and take the lead before going into the second half?

Yeah, I mean, every point matters.

A game like this so, so real big to go up at the half.

But first half.

So with got two more to play.

Got to fight scratch claw, get whatever we can.

Defensively you guys were solid especially holding down Worth County.

How important are they going to be.

Especially keeping that energy, keeping things going for you guys in the second half.

Yeah our defense plays a great energy.

They make plays.

We we believe in them.

They're tough.

Tough group a lot of energy.

Perfect.

Thank you coach.

Thank you.

Back up to you guys.

And Larry and Sam in the booth.

Okay Matty thanks so much.

So we're halftime here in Atlanta.

We are getting ready for the intermission.

Just like the players are in their locker rooms.

We will do a reset as well.

It's been thrilling so far in this class A Division one championship.

Ward County again trying to come up with a big win and knock off the reigning champions.

But with got plays like this and Mr.

Carroll that may be tough.

Defense.

Offense has been thrilling so far and there's 24 more minutes of all of this to come here from Atlanta.

We take a quick time out and then we join John Nelson and Nikki in just a moment here.

1310 Toombs County on top at halftime.

Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Just looking.

I only buy local and sustainable, so.

Oh.

Well, that shirt's not local.

You should be wearing cotton.

George is a major supplier of cotton worldwide, so if you'd like to buy local to support Georgia, buying cotton is a great place to start.

It's renewable and sustainable.

Naturally.

Thanks.

That's a polyester fiber made of oil, by the way.

Ooh.

Where's your dressing room?

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Welcome in to Mercedes Benz Stadium on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

It is halftime and boy, we are having so much fun over the course of three days.

Now, John, before we get to champions, we've got an award going on right now on the field.

Student section of the year goes to the pit crew.

The pit is where they play Toombs County High Football and the pit crew, that's the student body, the cheering section there, the student section of the year award had a couple of seniors come down for the presentation there, and when they're asked for the submission, like the paragraph or the paragraph essay, you have themed student sections making each team feeling celebrated and appreciated.

And here comes the band.

We're going to see that coming up at halftime.

They know all the cheers.

They know what matters.

They got the energy.

They always keep it up.

The pit crew.

I don't know how much of the pit crew, but we're hoping, you know, if you're a Toombs County fan, that a lot of the pit crew is here.

Student section of the year.

Very, very cool.

Goes to our friends from Toombs County.

I was going to say we.

Had Principal Morris on earlier.

She alluded to the 12th man, if you will, and how critical they have been to the season success that they've had already.

13:10 at the break.

And obviously, we will keep an eye on what's going on, run through all the stats and all that kind of stuff coming up in just a little bit, but it is that time where we catch you up on what's going on in and around everything here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and that's the rundown right there.

13:10 at the break, the Otero field goal from 20 yards out.

The chip shot with 6 seconds left in the half, 13 play, 73 yard drive.

Took 319 off the clock.

And that is the difference.

The three on the board right there Toombs County ahead of Worth County at the break.

Now it is time to catch up once again with our friends at Georgia EMC and we find out from them about everything going on.

They are a key part of the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award all season long here at GPB.

And here is a salute to all those winners.

One, 23.

The 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives would like to congratulate all the winners of the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award in 2025.

Said.

This award honors schools that exhibit exemplary sportsmanship during competitive events.

Only one school in each region in each classification is chosen to receive this annual award.

The GHSA takes into consideration all aspects of sportsmanship, making the award a tribute to the entire community.

Introduced in 2006, this award reinforces the GHSA philosophy that everyone associated with high school activities, from athletes to spectators, should adhere to the fundamental values it represents.

Georgia EMC in the 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Congratulations to all the winners this year.

That's always.

So great.

We've seen it.

I don't know how many times this year, but it's still fantastic.

Thanks, Nelly.

Well, coming up after the break, we'll of course have more student athlete features.

We'll get you caught up on the day.

So in the words of my sidekick here, Nelly, Stick and stay right here on GPB.

We'll be right back.

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Welcome back to our GPB Halftime Show.

We've had the opportunity to showcase so many student athletes from across the great state of Georgia all season long.

Thanks to our friends over at You Pharmacy.

Well, Kason Mallard is a Westover football player and he knows doing the extra work gives him the edge.

Check it out.

You know he's 67, 320 that can run.

That's agile, that can get around.

So that's the biggest thing that we see.

And the college season well.

When you put in the work the scholarships will come.

You know the coaches will find you.

It actually pushes me to work even harder than when I'm working.

I always do extra rep or extra set just to try to get that edge on my opponents, because I know nobody works like me.

I think what sets him apart is the motivation to be great.

You know, the motivation to be the best lineman that he can be.

Once I got that mindset that I got to be the best, I got to.

Thanks again to our friends over at U-save Pharmacy for all of these special stories.

And congratulations to Kason.

Well, we have to take a quick break, but when we come back, we'll have more features, more packages for you to watch, maybe some interviews and a whole lot more football to talk about.

Keep it right here on GPB.

We'll be right back.

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All right.

What do you think, Jasper?

Honestly, I think that polyester shirts affecting your game.

What?

I think cotton would have been a better choice.

Cotton.

Yeah.

It's come a long way.

You know, nowadays cotton breeze and wicks moisture.

Great.

Plus, buying cotton means supporting Georgia farmers.

I think that's wonderful.

Okay, sure.

But what do you think about the putt?

Oh, it's really hadn't thought about it.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man.

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

And welcome back in to our GPB Halftime Show.

We are coming to you live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

John.

We have three days of championship coverage right here.

It's the only place you can catch all of the action.

The games in between the games, halftime of the games.

And we're halftime right now of the single a Division one game between Toombs County and Worth County.

Yeah, we'll catch you up on what has happened today.

We'll get you ready for everything else after this one is over, because this is the big day of the three, it's four, five, four, and we are literally at the halfway point of the entire week right now, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

But there are a lot of teams that try to make their way to Mercedes-Benz.

North of 400 schools in the GHSA start their seasons in mid-August, and they try to make their way here to mid-December.

And Mercedes-Benz.

Some schools, they have bigger battles to fight, making sure that they have players that could be, say, 35-30 and then you try to figure out your numbers, and there are some coaches that battle those numbers issues, and they do unconventional things to try to fill out their rosters like this one.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your.

Ready?

Go down there and make a tackle like he was doing in PE class.

Okay.

All right, start moving.

Go!

Alejandro, hit the person with the ball.

He don't know where to go.

Alejandro!

Come here, come here, come here, come here.

All right, so, look, you got to go tackle the person down there.

Oh, it's the black color.

Yeah, in the black.

When he catch it, you got to go tackle him okay.

They're going to try to block you and stop you from getting there okay.

This is what it's like for tower's head coach, Henry Garrett and his staff to build a team off season.

And in season.

Good kick.

Boy.

Oh my God.

Alejandro gonna make the tackle.

Watch.

Brodey.

Stay up.

Yeah!

Good job.

The small squad he had in 2025 got even smaller with exits.

So he worked just as hard indoors to make it work outdoors.

From the halls to the lunchroom.

I was thinking about you the other day.

I was like, I ain't seen you out here.

Been trying to get big Anthony to come out.

What up?

Aren't you good.

To a weight training class just to make students take steps to get healthy?

Jonathan, bring your feet in.

Bring em in some.

It's actually started as I'm in ROTC, as everybody can see from the camos, but I was working out for camp and Colonel decided not to come one day.

So I said instead of going home and being lazy, I'm just going to go to the weight room football team, work out with them.

And coach said he thought it was a good idea to work to play football for him because I was lifting nice.

He liked the way I lift it.

I'm a little strong.

So I said, you know what?

It might not be a bad idea because after after camp, there ain't nothing else to do through the summer.

So I said, yeah, let's go to football, get better.

Well, not only on the ones and twos on that one.

Piecing that one together, that is the that is the short version of a longer piece that we've aired.

And if we have the time during tailgate parties and such, we'll air the full piece and that will be posted obviously to our social media.

Alejandro, one of the early characters in that story with towers, literally, he was taking flag football that they were doing at PE, and he was hitting people.

He's just he's hitting people.

And so Coach Garrett was like, hey, have you ever played American football before?

And Alejandro said, no.

And so then all of a sudden it's like, okay, come out to practice.

And so Alejandro is asking coach, hey, you know, to practice tomorrow.

He's like, no, I've got a game tomorrow.

Show up on Monday.

When we were there for that piece, that was his second day of learning American football.

That's what you're having to stare at sometimes.

And Henry Garrett at Towers is not the only one that has to do it this way, but it was one of the ways that we could get a window into trying to see how single a schools build and maintain their programs, things like that.

There are a couple of different characters that you meet along the way.

There's a kicker that's an exchange student from France who was kicking barefoot during PE class.

Coach Garrett goes up to him, hey, you know, have you ever kicked American football before?

He goes, no.

And so of course he goes out there, sets a county record for a 50 1 yard field goal.

That was in the game that we were at that we were shooting.

So it was a it was a great adventure and we can't thank everybody.

Everyone at Towers High School enough for letting us come and visit to be able to tell a story like towers that we know is, you know, in and around the state.

There are others that are like it.

But to be able to open up a window like that for a single a school, we can't thank everybody at towers enough.

Well, John, why don't we have on video you kicking a field goal barefoot?

Do you want me to either do, like, the Charlie Brown thing where I'm slipping and just falling down and falling flat on my back?

No, you don't want that.

That would make great television.

You don't want that.

Okay, well, you know what we.

Do, will.

Might have some on tape somewhere.

I don't know, that's a Will Nunley question, but.

No, that's.

No, you don't want that.

Okay, maybe next time.

But what we do want is I personally want to relive those flag football games from this morning.

I mean, we kicked this thing off at 10:00 A.M., John.

My, my coffee was still hot at kick North.

The county gets the win.

They go from A to B, they get the championship.

First ever in Bogart and the coach O'Mara.

Congratulations to the Titans.

Everyone will remember.

Oh I see what.

You did there 316.

Your winner North Oconee over Whitewater.

That was game one.

Game two turned into an event.

Oh my goodness this thing I honestly I wish I was wearing my my watch that shows my heart rate because it just stayed up this entire game.

Well, maybe not the entire game.

Second half with 4 minutes left to go in the game is when we decided to just flip the switch and play some football.

Yeah, and it ends up going into overtime.

Two OTS decide it.

Blessed Trinity scores right at the death 0-7 seven.

You go to overtime tied at 14 after one overtime go to the second overtime beat gets the win 21-20 And this is friends and rivals and the whole thing miles apart from where you live.

Literally I'm having coaches tell me it's like they're mentioning opposing players by first names.

It's like you you know, you talk to this person, this person, this person here.

So 21 20 that happened today in flag.

We've got more of that tomorrow.

Two nationally ranked teams, McEachern and Pope the rest of the day on the menu after this one 13:10 at the break we're going to have Maddie Crews catch up with the Coach Hammond coming up in just a second.

Find out the second half of Toomer Worth County Hapeville Charter and Carver Columbus up after that one.

And like I said, slated for 506 GPB time, but probably a little later than that, probably closer to 530 and then the Mega it is the Godzilla of high school football games.

It is Carrollton Buford after 8:00 tonight, it is going to be a fantastic game.

We are blessed to be able to share it with you here at Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Three other words, when it comes to that one, we can't wait.

Absolutely.

Is there popcorn and Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

Because I'm going to need that at approximately eight.

I believe someone needs to get it ready.

As the former quote used.

To be.

Right?

Well, we got to get ready.

We've got 24 more minutes left in the single a Division one game of football to be had.

Toombs County Worth County.

We're going to have a champion here in 24 minutes.

Keep it right here on GPB.

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Halftime here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1310.

Lead for Toombs County as the Bulldogs try to win back to back state titles.

They never won a state championship before 2024.

But now 24 minutes away, as both teams are coming back onto the field here, Larry Smith, Sam Crenshaw, what did you see there in the first half?

We saw great things offensively.

But I tell you what, I saw two defenses that really settled in and made some big plays, made the teams settle for three instead of six.

That could be crucial going into the second half of this game.

It was a thrilling game on both sides of the ball, with both teams there in the first half again, 1310.

Our coaches interviews presented by Johnny's Pizza, your neighborhood pizzeria.

Let's go down to Maddie Cruz who's with Coach Hammond coach.

What was the message to the guys in the locker room, especially after that first half where things started to pick up close to the end?

Well, it's we're right where we want to be.

We're second class football team.

We're in great condition.

We're ready to go fight this war.

What are the keys for you guys in the second half to get things moving and to come out of this one with a win in state champions?

Well, this is state championship.

This is a great game.

We just got to make more plays than they do.

Thank you coach.

Back up to you guys in the booth.

All right.

Thank you so much.

All right.

Coach yeah coach was he was saying you know again just this one day that's all we're worried about.

Very much in control.

I think he should like what he saw from his team rebounding from that 10-0 lead.

They bounced back to tie it at ten before giving up the late field goal.

Absolutely a very resilient bunch until they got time to figure it out.

Stayed patience.

Worked their running backs greatly.

And the quarterback is having a good day.

Yeah.

Let's take a look at some of those first half highlights we mentioned.

Again it was Toombs County jumping out in front early on.

First off how about this play.

Just a thrilling Joesph Owens to Nick Carroll.

We've seen him do this all season long for the Bulldogs.

42 yards there for the opening score and just a minute 15 into the game.

Alex Otero then the 26 yard field goal made it 10-0 11 play drive there and then here comes Worth County coming back.

Big play here to get down inside near the goal line.

And then it was Trey Jones from 1 yard out to put the Rams on the board.

Followed that up with a field goal from 35 yards out by Brodey Hancock to tie it at ten.

And then just before halftime Alex Otero coming through with just seconds on the clock to make it a 1310 game here at halftime.

Our stats right now, presented by Alfa Insurance.

You can see again Toombs County with the advantage.

But they also got a lot of those yards in that final drive that also helped them boost their time of possession.

Worth County you want to see both teams be more balanced offense, but clearly they're moving through the air quite well in this game so far.

Penalties started to be a little bit of a factor there in the second quarter.

We'll watch for that in the second half.

Yeah.

Also one number there, the 139 yards passing that is 13 of 18 passing from Lyndon Worthy.

We mentioned before during the first half you said just now surprised they haven't gone more to the run game because again they were very balanced all year long, but they had success throwing the ball.

I guess they're going to stick with that.

But they're throwing the ball out to their running backs.

Right?

Okay.

So that's the versatility there.

You're getting them touches just not you know lining up and hand it off to him.

Yeah yeah.

And again halftime adjustments.

We'll see how that changes.

What do you expect to see from these.

We heard from the coach from from Worth County.

How about this Toombs County team.

He was very happy with having the lead at halftime.

What adjustments did they make here in the second half?

Looking for some plays from their defense.

Looking for some guys to step up and make some big stops right now.

But right now let's go back to their running game because that's the thing.

Powell has been their guy.

If he's in there, they may want to follow him all the way to the next state championship because he's that type of guy.

Like I said, always leaning forward.

Yeah, yeah.

And he had again the big play and the big half last year in the 2024 state championship when he had two big touchdown runs to help Toombs County get the championship already here in the first half, a workhorse 21 carries, 90 yards.

Even though he sat out one series, maybe getting some fresh legs, maybe for the second half.

Watch out for number 3.

I think he's got something for us here in the second half.

Yeah, he has been outstanding.

As we go back down to the field.

And a good look at both coaches trying to get a championship once again.

Worth County they've not been in the title game since 1990.

They won it all then won the state title back in 87.

Trying to add to that total here.

We talked again about on the right Coach Buddy Martin and what he has done in his third year.

Former defensive coordinator for this team.

And he talked about again with himself and two of his assistants.

He said, we have three offensive line coaches here.

So our offensive line guys and we talked about their play in the first half, very well drilled.

They have a lot of attention from their coaching staff because of their pedigree.

You watch for that offensive line.

They got the job done quite well in the first half.

They're going to pick back up where they left off if they can.

So watch for those guys up front.

Brooks 54.

You know some guys will do great things for them.

Taylor Lewis.

Pacheco Langston Benton.

That offensive line.

Toombs.

Absolutely.

Coming up later tonight, it is Hapeville versus Carver Columbus in the two way game.

And then after that, Carrollton versus Buford in the 6-A games, we are really just halfway through a thrilling full day of football here on GPB.

The GHSA championships.

Going to come out on the field once again.

It is will be a Toombs County kicking off.

Torre Worth County here to start the second half.

Ladies and.

Gentlemen, Alex Otero is out there.

And the opening second half kickoff brought to you by Heads Up Georgia parking your phone while driving saves lives.

We can't say it enough.

So Collier and Griffis are back inside their ten yard line, but again, they have been kicking away from them the entire game.

Let's see if that continues here.

Otero has the ball teed up.

And he does kicks it short and to the left.

Taken there short by Matthews.

He had the he got the last kickoff as well on the short return but good field position.

However for Worth County.

And we got a flag on the field here to start the second half.

Here we go.

The officials have been busy this game.

Kearney return Blow and Langston the return team.

15 yard penalty from the end of the run.

First down.

Okay.

Illegal block there.

So that takes what would have been a good field position and takes them back 15 yards.

And good.

Look there at Lyndon Worthy as he comes out you see his numbers 13 of 18 for 13915.

Yard penalty right out of the locker room is not what you want.

That's tough.

That's tough.

Oh he moved.

So first and ten from the 17.

Chester trying to get something going.

And he is going nowhere fast Justin Powell there.

Williams there as well.

Roy.

Right hand stop about.

Three Kyrell Williams.

First one there.

You talked about wanting to get more from the running game.

You saw them get into the Chester.

That's what he's done most of the season, but today he's been getting it out of the backfield in short passes.

He split once again.

Empty backfield for Worthy loss of three on that play.

Looking for Chester.

Can he get away from one defender.

He does.

And finally out of bounds chased out of bounds there by Stevens.

Like you said they're doing a lot of that.

They're not doing a lot of stuff.

This traditional handoffs getting them out into space and let him work from there.

Yep.

You want him to touch the ball.

Shakes one defender and.

Any way you can get it to him.

That's right.

Nine yard pickup brings up third and four Chester still in the game.

Time-out.

And Toombs County calls a time-out.

Time out of the half.

Less than a minute into the game.

Coach Martin may not have liked what he saw there.

So time out here.

We'll take one as well.

11 0-9 left to go in the third.

We are just underway here in the second half.

Toombs County with a 1310 lead.

Big third down play coming up here for Worth County.

We'll see how that plays out after this.

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Back here to live action.

Coach, look at coach Buddy Martin talked about.

You know, success breeds success.

Our kids know the standard he has set that here.

State championship last year trying to make it two in a row.

This year.

Field goal lead for them.

They got that in the final seconds of the first half.

If you're just joining us here.

On obviously saw something he didn't like.

And he called that time-out.

That's right.

Reset his defense.

As we said unusual to burn a Time-out this early Sam like you were saying Chester with the ball.

And gets enough for the first down.

Kaden Chester.

That's his his best run of the day today.

Not a lot of rushing yards for this offense.

But you see, once again, you're getting the ball in the hands of 24.

I think our two star running backs are going to be the difference in this game.

Talk about Powell for Toombs.

And we talk about Chester for worth.

They've gotten their teams to this point.

They're going to be the guys.

I think that carry one to the very finish into the championship.

Got to get more out of him.

Five carries, 7 yards for him so far.

Split out now.

Catch by Jayden Farley.

Brought down by Palmer on the defense.

That's enough for a first down.

Marlin.

Worthy faking the handoff.

First down.

Farley picking up another first down.

We talked about all those players with 30 catches that Farley has not came into the game with 28-6 54, but nine touchdown catches for him.

There's another Jaquaveon Nelson with the catch and run.

Out near midfield almost a first down.

We've seen Toombs working that screen out screen.

Here's what here's what kind of said okay we can work it.

And that was textbook execution that time.

That's right.

Hand off to Chester left side, first down, and then he's into Toombs County territory.

Still on his feet.

Finally brought down.

A lot of white shirts there.

Eight.

Number 8.

Roy Powell.

Number 3.

So a first down very quickly now for Worth County.

Three first downs here to start this second half.

Chester takes a break.

Trey Jones back in.

Worthy.

That's incomplete.

Boy he has been pretty spot on.

A rare incompletion for him.

Now 16 of 21 for 170 yards on the day for the junior passer for the Rams.

Coach Jeff Hammond.

Checking his play card.

Jones with the carry.

And he is going nowhere.

The big man once again.

JaMarcus Johnson leading the charge.

Don't forget about me.

Don't forget about me now.

Did you forget right here in the middle.

Here I am.

I don't know what you heard, big fella.

Making a nice stop.

Datavious Jordan.

Also there.

The senior defensive lineman Wolves extra support there.

1 yard loss.

Third and 11.

Now for the Rams.

Worthy going up top.

He's got a man there, but he's overthrown.

No flag or anything.

There.

Trying to get the ball to Nelson.

Good defense.

There by Mincey on the coverage for the Bulldogs.

And Mincey is right there.

Stumbles at the end.

It's a foot.

Nothing enough to bring out a flag.

Kicked in the helmet for his troubles.

So the punt team comes on.

Brady Weaver to kick it away.

Carroll Scott is deep along with Carroll.

Pulls back at their ten yard line.

Good defensive stand for the Bulldogs.

Kick is short and bounces out of bounds right about the 15 yard line.

That's where they will mark it.

First down and ten.

Now for tubes.

Lowe so Toombs County look at their resume and what they're all about.

We've talked about it.

Coach.

Again, coach Buddy Martin was there for several years as a defensive coordinator, third year as a head coach.

They won it all last year.

Quarterfinals back in 2023.

They made the playoffs nine of their last ten years.

And of course we remember coach Mark Stroud when he was there for 15 seasons and won two thirds of his games while he was in charge of the Bulldogs for.

Derric coach Martin Florida native Richie Marsh, up here to be his coordinator, took over the head coaching job when he went back down to Florida after the 2022 season.

And what a job he has done.

Being in charge gets emotional when he talks about his players.

Powell with the handoff here, his first of the second half, we mentioned 21 of 90 21 carries 90 yards in the first half.

And good start there for him.

Yeah Malik Muhammad in on the stop there for Ward.

Once again you get the ball in the hands of number 3.

And we said at halftime he could be the difference maker in this game.

I think he's ready.

Yeah.

Big six yard pickup for him.

Quarterback Owens gets in his steps during a game.

He often will run to the sideline to get the ball and run back.

For Powell in the backfield.

Powell the Carey big hole up the middle.

First down and then some out past the 30.

Great job there before he was brought down by Malik Muhammad for the Rams.

There he is following those blockers once again.

Run off big 75 RJ Langston.

It's hard to bring down.

Yeah he.

Is.

So Powell goes over the 100 yard mark for the Day.

Officially he's at 108.

23 carries.

Fake to him.

Owens said, going up and getting ahead of.

Looks like he tried to get it to Fletcher a little.

Vacation there.

Yeah.

Miscommunication.

Seemed like he broke off on the route.

Second down, 10 yards to go for Toomer.

Bring up second down.

Talked about Owens again.

He was the number 2.

The backup last year to TJ.

Stanley.

Won the starting job early this summer.

And coach said he has done everything that we asked him to.

And then you got a little sunshine coming through the window over here.

As you can see, that's kind of that spot.

Yeah, look at that.

Wow.

He's not sure he saw the ball.

Hand off there on second down.

And of course, it's Powell yet again before he's brought down.

By Weaver and Sims.

Just a two yard pickup.

So a third and eight.

Now for the Bulldogs.

We've only seen both defenses really settle in after.

After the start of this game.

Defenses have become big in this game.

We talked the offense in the first half.

Defenses are going to play a big role in the second half, and that's why I said the running backs, whichever running back, can be the the sledgehammer that can drive it home, will be the winner today.

Toombs County six of ten on third down conversions.

Trying to make it seven of 11, but they will be short.

Justin Powell Powell again with the carry, but he's going to be about 3 yards short.

Five yard gain on that.

Out to the 40.

And that'll bring on the punt team.

So both series to start.

The second half ending in punts.

Fletcher coming out to kick it away.

Fletcher.

And Chester.

Kaden Chester number 24.

Back to receive.

Good kick by Fletcher.

Chester takes it and goes down at the 24 yard line.

Good coverage there by the by the by the the Gunners.

Indeed.

Good play from special teams.

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GPB slash I got ahead of myself.

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And the cheese and the season.

There we go.

It's pretty cool.

I went online last night, looked at.

That's pretty cool.

You know, I'm not in high school.

Has completed Colby Griffis.

Murphy's mask.

Jakobe Worthy got that one out there.

That was some pressure coming on him.

He got it out just in time.

Yeah, they've made some plays.

Can they sustain the drive?

That's the question.

Now.

Griffith his second catch of the day 11 yards total for him 37 yards coming in on the season.

And in motion there.

That's Jones up the middle.

And then some breaks.

Free pass to 40.

And Collier brings him down.

Make that Carroll brings him down.

What a play.

And that's what the Rams are looking for here in the second half.

Almost 1,000 yards in rushing for this guy this season opening comes and he's ready to take it.

Big run that's going to help balance things out.

As far as your running totals.

Yeah when you.

Yeah Sam sorry to cut you off.

Gonna say 48 yards there.

Remember they had only 18 in the entire first half as a team.

Jones again.

Mitchell Smith Jolin to the King Aaron.

Sam, you were talking about 933 yards coming in for him as he nears the 1,000 yard mark for the season.

I mean, that's a great combination when you talk about running backs, when you talk about Jones and Chester and what they're capable of doing.

Yeah.

In fact, with that play there he goes over 1,000 yards for the season 70 yards.

Now in the game.

Second down for Worthy going right.

Nice catch by Griffis.

But he was out of bounds.

Insane.

One more look at it here.

Let's take another look.

Watch where that foot is.

Throw out there for.

Yeah.

Worth County fans don't.

Like it.

County fans don't like it.

And the challenge flag comes out.

Question is, did he have control of the ball before his right foot was lifted?

That's the question.

Well that left foot was was that right foot was clearly down.

And he hauls it in.

Worth County is challenging the ruling on the field of an incomplete pass.

Here's the thing.

It's in the rule book.

Your team is driving.

It's a difference between, I think possibly a first down or a third and seven.

So let's see what happens.

And it's available to you.

Yeah.

It's available to you.

Here's another look at it.

Watch the right foot when he catches it.

The foot is there.

He didn't juggle it.

No he didn't.

They may he may have an argument on this.

Watch the hands.

He did what you're supposed to do.

You catch it and you bring it in.

Did the right foot come up first?

Right.

Right foot's down.

There.

That's going to be pretty close.

There you go.

How about that?

Yeah.

Foot Steele down.

And again.

It was the catch.

It's about the 12 yard line.

That would be a first down for Worth County.

And that is what you bring out the red flag for the challenge.

Right.

You bring it out.

It's the Rams 14-0 They have not led this entire game.

Fell behind 10-0 came back to tie it.

And then the field goal by Alex Otero to make it a 1310 game right before halftime.

And that's where we stand right now at the five 0-1 mark of the third.

Third of five games today here on GPB.

Two more games coming up, the class two a championship and the class 5-A title game on the way until tonight here on GPB.

Another day of competition tomorrow.

Absolutely.

Next game coming up a pair of remarkable stories Carver Columbus.

All that team does is just when they show up here.

Seems like every year they're facing a Hapeville Charter team that started the season at 1-4 Wow.

They started the season at 1-4 And here they are in the state championship game.

And that's what's coming up next folks.

That's all the stories to look at this as they continue to check.

And we're about to get the call now.

Following a review, the ruling on the field of an incomplete pass has been overturned.

It is a completed pass at the 17 yard line.

It'll be third down.

Make that the 17.

I had it at the 12.

The 17 yard line.

So it's still third down but instead it's gonna be third and four.

Still makes a difference.

Yeah.

Oh yeah.

Let's make sure we get the spot right.

There we go.

Okay.

Ball now placed in the 17.

So a successful challenge by coach Jeff Hammond for Worth County.

Now you want to get this third down conversion.

Griffiths and Nelson there at the top of your screen.

Worthy looking to the sideline.

He's got Chester behind next to him in the backfield.

Now we got a break.

Yeah not yet a live ball.

They've not waved in.

Not started the clock.

Coach Hammond is still on the field talking to an official over there about the 25 yard line.

The previous spot is under review.

Now the spot is under review.

I. Well and some.

We think it's at the 12.

And.

Yeah.

So.

And there we go.

And they're not moving the chains.

So there's been a correction of the yard line.

The pass was completed upon the pass is completed on the 12 yard line and will result in a first down.

So I get one right every once in a while.

Yeah.

I don't know who should have seen that.

You know, I don't know who's doing the review.

Yeah.

Maybe the review person should have said yes.

It's a catch ball at.

Wright, right?

Yeah.

But I mean, I'm not an official.

Don't.

Right.

You don't want you don't want me to put on the stripes.

That's right.

Not qualified.

Chester in motion gets the pass on the screen.

Takes it down to the ten where he's brought down very quickly.

Nice move there defensively by Kareem Palmer Chester.

Great play by Palmer Seven knew that the ball was probably going to go to Chester.

He was after him the whole time.

Great.

Stop.

Yeah, almost a face mask.

He avoided that penalty.

Two yard pickup now.

Second and eight.

Rams on the move.

Lyndon Worthy having an outstanding day.

Chester up the middle.

For he's brought down once again by Palmer.

Pickup of about three.

Third and five.

Now from the seven.

Got 50.

Nick Frazier into the game for DJ Jordan up front for Toombs.

Third down play.

Once again the man in motion in space.

Touchdown!

Rams Jayden Farley gets it in.

His team high tenth.

Touchdown catch of the season, and Worth County takes its first lead of the game.

It's a route we've seen Farley take a number of times today.

Just throw it out there to him in the flat and there's nobody there.

There's walks right in for the score.

He almost looks surprised when he turned around and there was wide open, nothing but green.

Somebody blew a whistle.

Hancock on for the extra point and he gets it.

And just like that, Worth County has turned this game around in the third quarter.

The scoring drive brought to you by DBHDD and the new red ribbon 365 curriculum, seven plays, 75 yards.

It took him 2 minutes 0:51 to go down the field.

That was so efficient.

And Sam, one more look at the score.

Very efficient.

And he's the man in motion.

You throw the ball out there to him and nobody went with him.

He's the man in motion and he's been catching balls.

Today is walks right in for the score.

That's pretty impressive.

Meanwhile for the quarterback Lyndon Worthy we've talked about him his 28th touchdown pass of the game.

Let's go down to Matty.

Thanks guys.

Let's just say being on the Worthy County sideline it was electric.

As soon as that touchdown was made.

But I was watching Jeff Hammond here on the sideline as soon as it happened.

I mean he is fired up down here.

He's fist pumping in the air.

He's high fiving his players, getting everybody ready to go, feeding off of this energy here, especially as they now take the lead.

And that was impressive.

13 17 now 3:46 to go.

Very efficient drive going downfield.

So a different formation now.

Hancock with the kick.

This time he does kick it deep into the hands of the returner.

Whoa.

That was Hunter Palma down deep.

So they move guys around.

You know they weren't they weren't kicking deep right.

So now we'll kick it to you in the Palmer's hands.

So how does Toombs County respond.

And trailing for the first time in this game.

That's what we want to see.

This is a position I can imagine throughout the season and not not being accustomed to being in.

We're all going to find out how they respond.

That's right.

Defending state champions down in this class A Division one title match Owens.

Gets it out quickly to Stevens.

But he's brought down there very short gain.

Just only 4 yards.

Short gain.

Of.

Five.

See Alex Scott there in on the stop.

Look at Stephens.

24 catches, 498 yards, four touchdowns on the season.

Coming into this one.

Second down play.

That's Wilds plays the HVAC plays the tight end.

Both for this team Powell up the middle.

Ooh.

Brought down there Sims again.

A part of that tackle Austin McDonald is there as well.

Third down 2 yards together.

For the swarm there.

The swarm D is what they like to say.

The yellow helmets all coming together at one time.

Owens to the sidelines, rushing back out with the play.

Third down and two.

Toombs County looking for an answer.

Keep the drive alive.

Powell.

Finds his way forward.

Looks like it will be enough for a first down.

They will move the chains.

Yes, it is.

So Powell already over 100 yards on the day.

He adds to his total.

He does what's needed.

Needed enough yards to move the sticks.

Toombs County trying to find some offense here.

Just 33 yards of offense here in the second half.

Trailing 17-13 Nothing doing there.

Wow.

Powell met in the backfield by a by a swarm, if you will.

She said.

The swarm D is there.

The guy in front there is Weaver and he is big on this defensive unit.

He's like a coach on the field.

And there you see it.

You see one yellow hat.

Just wait because the ten others are on the way.

That's right.

Loss of a yard on that play.

You see Hayden Roy come in on offense.

You don't see very much.

Fletcher split wide right.

Second down play Powell getting into the backfield, carrying defenders.

Got four shirts around him.

He has a load to bring down and a first down for the Bulldogs.

Wow.

Look at the hole.

Open up.

They're falling right off 75.

He's been following RJ Langston all day today.

He's running right off big 75 and getting another big gain.

Well you can look and see.

He hit Council number 16 at the 36 yard line and carried him and the other gang tacklers another 5 yards.

Great strength, great center of gravity on this running back.

Big part of the championship game last year.

Big part of this game so far.

It's Powell again.

A gain of about one.

Make it two as we tick down under 30s to go here in the third quarter.

Weaver and Cason Brown McGee, Tyriq and.

Powell up to 132 yards now on 29 carries.

And looks like they'll be content to let this run out and switch sides for the fourth quarter.

One more quarter to go, Larry.

I think defenses we're going to see some hard hitting.

Yep.

And we're going to see who's going to survive.

Yep.

That's what it comes down to.

So give that quarter to Worth County the Rams 14-0 from Sylvester trying to carry the mail.

Can the Bulldogs Wright Powell like they did last year in the second half, fourth quarter is next here on GPB.

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So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Just a gorgeous sunset looking here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta as we are 12:00 to go here.

Start of the fourth quarter for the class A Division one championship.

Worth County on top after a big third quarter.

Let's go down for more on the Rams.

Go down to Matty.

Thanks, guys.

Listen, I mentioned it before, but being on the sideline in Fort Worth County right now, I mean, it's an experience.

It is electric over here.

But that's something that Coach Hammond has said all season long that has been that way.

It's the community that's bought into the process, and it's just as important as anybody who's inside this program.

And with Worth County heading to its first state championship appearance since 1990, Coach Hammond said winning it all would be a perfect Christmas present for a town that's been waiting a long time.

And just to give you an idea of how strong the support is, when I asked him how many busses would be here today, Hammond laughed and said, I told somebody the other day, if you want to rob a bank and Sylvester, next Tuesday would be the right day to do it.

Hopefully no one took him up on that.

You're exactly right.

Oh my goodness, I hope not.

But it is special.

And that's the thing about some of the communities within all the communities special.

But.

This ball control here, what they have done.

By the way, Worth County in that only 4 minutes, 16 seconds of possession, they're in the third quarter.

How about this?

Fletcher in the end zone, but there's a flag back at the 42 yard line, so hold everything.

What a play by Fletcher, though, regardless of what happens with the flag.

Great catch.

And it's against.

Toombs County.

He's coming back.

He's coming back.

What a catch.

Yeah a little something to do, a little separation there to catch it.

But I mean still, even with that one hand, pull.

It in.

Shift offense five-yard penalty from the previous spot.

Replay second down.

Much to the chagrin of the Toombs faithful.

Here's a nice throw too, by the way.

Right on the money.

Not enough guys on the line.

Possibly.

Maybe the call there.

So the.

There's a look at Fletcher.

Second down.

So for Toomer, that's their fourth penalty of 20 yards, 3-35 on the other side for Worth County.

So second and 13 now.

Carroll in motion.

Pass instead is complete to Fletcher who's gang tackled there.

Swarmed Muhammad is there.

And Chance Sims.

Yep.

Sims Council.

Worth County defense answering the bell.

They seem a little more energized here in this drive.

They really do.

They really do.

It's the fourth quarter.

You can't save it for next week.

There is no next week.

That's right, that's right.

Big play here.

Wilds split wide right.

Four receivers in the game.

Powell in the backfield.

Owens.

Gets it to Council.

Avoids one tackler goes airborne on another.

Gets it out to midfield.

But it looks like he's going to be just short of the first down.

And we got a flag down too at the end.

Don't know what was done or what was said or somebody.

Daylon Smith Gamble went for the pick and didn't get it.

Long conversation here.

But again this was around the 48 yard line.

So toward the end of the play.

Still sorting it out Buddy Martin waiting with anticipation.

It's a long conversation.

Very.

There's no foul on the play.

Fourth down.

There's a lot to go through to call that.

But if it's the right decision, you want it.

Make it right.

Here's a replay.

Go upstairs.

His foot stepped out there when he was airborne.

So fourth down you got you got to punt it.

And yeah they're going to punt.

Gavin Fletcher is out.

It's a great series here by the North County defense.

Yep.

You erased that touchdown by Fletcher off the board.

Kaydin Fletcher Kaden Chester is back to receive calls for a fair catch.

So a time-out here on the field.

We will step aside as well.

10:50 to go here in this Championship tilt.

I have a feeling there's still more to come in this.

We'll all take it in together after this quick break here on GPB.

It's the red.

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We're not afraid of what's coming.

This final 1050 of this match up.

This has been a thriller so far.

You love to see both teams competing at the same level.

I hate to see one team pull away and that kind of thing.

From where we sit, we don't have a dog in the fight.

No we don't.

No we don't.

But we'd like to see that kind of game.

I'm not sure people are tuning in to watch us either TV or if they're accessing us through their smart devices, wherever they may be.

They want to see a nice, closely contested game.

That's right.

After all, this state championship.

That's right.

15th game.

On the line here.

Junior quarterback Worthy in the hands of Chester and the wheel route there.

First down and then some.

Finally tripped up and brought down Palmer there to keep him going further.

And they move the chains first down for Worth County.

Once again the momentum change.

Sam.

Once again you're finding a way to get the ball into the hands of Kaden Chester and here he is, picking up the yards and moving the chains for you.

On the very first play of this possession.

, and Chester 30 catches on the year coming in, he has been active in the receiving game as well here.

Chester now the run trying to eat some clock as well.

Gain of a couple there on first down.

Kaden Chester.

And that's the other thing that's at work here.

You know, it's still a lot of time right now, but right now you want to sustain a drive.

You want to sustain the drive.

You have the lead.

You want to sustain the drive and keep the team's offense on the sideline for as long as you can.

Lyndon Worthy.

Fakes the handoff to Chester instead.

He gets it to number 4.

Griffis.

He's been active.

Still on.

His feet.

His feet with the whistle blow.

And they finally going to blow it dead.

There.

And they'll move the chains again.

But Griffith who made the big play to lead to the touchdown the last drive.

We got a player down.

He just got to get you up.

He's back up on his feet.

Yeah.

Back up.

He's good.

Hayden Short coming out of the game.

Good.

Look at Griffith the senior plays both ways for this Worth County team.

Trying to go 15-0 First and ten at the 42 Worthy spins away from pressure.

Still on his feet.

Finally brought down.

But not until he's near and it's a fumble.

Ball came out.

Tombs wants the ball.

We haven't seen a signal yet.

Nothing official.

We all officials there, but nobody's given a signal for direction.

We have a player that's definitely shaken up.

The tombs won't come off the field.

Deon Moore number 6.

Is hit.

Worthy doesn't run.

It much.

The field is a fumble recovered by the defense.

What a big play.

One more.

Look at it here.

So you can see Carroll make the strip.

Was his knee down?

That's the question.

That's the question.

And now the officials going over to look at take a look.

I think this is the right call to make sure.

And again we say again that we have camera angles with our crew.

They do such a fantastic job with GPB.

There's also the officials have some other camera angles to look at.

So take a moment to review this.

If it stands Worthy the quarterback who's been nearly flawless this entire game, would be his first turnover.

First turnover of the game.

Either way, let's take a look and see what we have here.

Sam.

Okay, look on the left.

We watch him for the knee to go down.

There's the ball out.

There.

It's the ball still in.

I think that's what people are watching to see.

Yeah.

So right there knee is down.

As the ball out.

You see the ball start to come out right there.

Looking at one on the right.

See him poking at the ball.

But does it come out before the knee touches the ground.

You really can't tell on the right side.

Left side.

You may be able to tell a little bit better.

I'm no expert.

I think it could have a chance to be overturned.

But again, purely a novice.

And again, we don't have all the angles they have, so we will see what comes of this.

It's a crucial play.

Toombs County region three champs, 13-1 On the season.

We talked about the ten game win streak.

They were beaten up pretty badly by Rome back on September 5, 49 28.

All right here we go.

And here's the call.

After review the ruling on the field stands.

It'll be Toombs County ball first and ten on the 50 yard line.

So the ball goes over.

Yeah.

So Worthy with the fumble.

Carroll with the strip.

And the recovery.

So midfield.

They take over.

Powell again.

Moving bodies for about 4 yards on first down.

He has a workhorse.

You go right back to the guy.

You know you can count on.

That swarm defense can expect to get a steady dose of him right here.

Yeah it's working for you.

So.

Junior quarterback.

Joseph Owens Carroll in motion.

Mix up there.

And a near interception by Muhammad.

Well, almost a pick.

Yeah.

That's twice now that Fletcher has had to come in and play defensive back while on offense.

Here's a replay.

Bad boy.

Yeah, that's two interceptions.

He owes him a soda.

Yeah, really?

Really.

This weekend my lunch.

Yeah.

Third and six.

And again this Worth County defense really stepping up since they took the lead.

17 time-out call here.

Time out Toombs County for the second time out of.

The half again.

They called their first one in the first minute of the second half.

And now this is their second one.

We will step aside as well right now 812 on the clock.

Big third down play coming up for the defending champion Toombs County Bulldogs.

We'll continue with that next here on GPB.

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Sam, we talk about this Rams defense here in the second half.

Toombs County 224 yards of offense in the first half.

Only 62 here in the second half and only three first downs.

Yep yep yep.

That swarm D is really going to work here in the second half.

Those yellow hats.

They're under attack.

And this has been the ringleader right here.

Chance Sims.

He has been.

Outstanding in this game especially here in the second half.

Big play here.

Third and six Owens to Wilds.

First down.

Taken out of bounds there by number 18.

Dashaun Rockwell.

But just the fourth.

First down for these Bulldogs here in the second half.

Nice call.

Obviously been looking for Powell to be using him so much.

You fake that handoff.

Wiley has room to work.

Moves to six.

Gets that much-Needed first down for Toombs.

Yeah, Powell coach told us he's the workhouse workhorse.

And he has certainly been that 30 carries already in this game.

Hensley passing yards for both teams.

Toombs now at 1:32 and Worthy Garnes having a big day in the air.

Carroll.

Gets it taken down by Council on the first down play.

You can feel the adrenaline.

Fans on the field, folks hitting a little harder.

Oh yeah, oh yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Clock ticks inside.

8 minutes to play.

That means fewer opportunities, fewer possessions left in this game for either team.

You want to be productive.

Toombs County did a nice job in the first half.

More than 14 minutes of possession.

To less than ten for worth.

Trying to do the same thing here.

Take their time.

Gets it to Carroll already has one touchdown.

He's trying to get another out of bounds inside the 25 and another first down.

But there's a flag on the play.

Carroll out around the 30.

Could that be a possible facemask.

Maybe against Carroll.

Personal foul facemask on the offense.

15 yard penalty from the spot of the foul.

Replay.

Second down.

How tough is that?

When they go.

When things go good, they can go bad.

Didn't mean to.

Just trying to get away from that defender.

But yeah.

Yep.

Tray Matthews.

Yeah.

Number 12 on the play.

Not just pushing it but you gripped it.

Yeah.

I believe if you just push.

Yeah that's okay.

But you grabbed it.

Yeah yeah.

So what a big play there.

So instead of being up for a first down now it's Roy back 22nd and 17 back at the Ward County 45 yard line.

Owens wanted to throw nothing there.

Get some yards out of it.

A little improvization there.

That'll bring up third down.

Really nowhere for Owens to go.

Just some great defense here.

Muhammad there on the stop.

Rockwell as well.

Probably four down territory here as we're under 7 minutes to go.

And Toombs is not in a hurry right now.

They have one time-out.

Worth County has all three.

Owens looking left, trying to get it to Fletcher, and he overthrows him.

That'll bring up a fourth down.

It's fourth down territory.

Yeah, yeah.

Great job by the secondary here.

Matthews right there all along.

Ball was overthrown.

Look at Dre.

Matthews junior.

Couple of nice plays on special teams as well.

Today.

All right.

What do you whip up?

Fourth down play here.

This is big.

You got to get down to the 28 yard line.

What a job of this Worth County defense.

And we've got a flag a delay of game.

The play clock is at zero.

Delay of game.

Offense.

Five-Yard penalty.

Gatelin.

So the penalties.

The penalties really starting to add up now for the Bulldogs.

And they're of the variety that you don't like to see with some.

You know, the face mask is one but a pre-snap and a crucial situation.

And now you're going to have to punt it.

Yeah.

Gavin Fletcher six penalties now for 40 yards for the Bulldogs.

But Sam to your point it's not so much how many in the yardage.

It's the situations where they've been happening.

Those are very crucial situation.

You could convert that third down that fourth down and keep the drive going.

Keep the offense off the field.

Got another whistle.

Time-out.

Worth County Worth County calling a time-out.

That's their first.

Something they want to talk about here.

Please reset the game clock to 6 minutes 27 seconds.

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It up.

Look now, in terms of what's what this defense has done, we've talked about again, Worth County coming in and being so impressive on both sides of the ball here in the second half.

And you know coach talked to Matty command locker room.

And he said again he very happy with not obviously happy.

But he was very he wasn't concerned about where his team was at that moment.

He's a good ball game.

We're in it.

We got a chance.

He said we could ask for anything more.

Let's go out and finish it.

Back on the field now.

Fourth and 17 Gavin Fletcher the punt for Toombs County Kaden Chester number 24.

High snap.

Back to receive.

Good punt and a fair catch for Chester.

At the 14 yard line.

Let's go down to Matty Costin.

Thanks guys.

Talking to Jeff Hammond earlier this week we asked him about this 2025 group of guys and what separates this team from any of the others.

And he points straight to their work ethic.

During each of these weeks.

He calls them the best practice group he's had in his 25 plus years of coaching a team that brings energy and focus every single day.

He said that they love playing football, they love working, and the effort is never forced, whether it's on the field or in the weight room and guys, you can see it on the field too.

There's so much energy, not only from the fans, but from the team to getting the fans involved as they get ready and try to make a drive and try to make this lead even more.

Trying to take some time off the clock now.

Trey Jones in the backfield and just gets back to the line of scrimmage.

Not much there.

On defense on the stop.

Defense there.

Hayden Bullard guys up front for tune's been working today.

He and JaMarcus Johnson.

Just joining us earlier, Trey Jones went over the 1,000 yard mark on the season, 68 yards on ten carries.

933.

On the season coming in Jones still in the ball game gets the carry here.

Tries to surge ahead, but a host of players Palmer is there.

Jones Daniel Corbin.

Kelston saw Alex Scott there five there Palmer Seven as DJ Jordan.

So a gain of two, third and eight but again trying to run the clock and they're going to move pretty quickly here.

Worthy now with Chester standing next to him, his star running back.

Ball is batted down.

What a great defensive play.

Justin Powell Smith Powell.

He's not getting you on the offensive side here.

He's coming to defense.

Get up.

Right in the helmet.

Big play there.

Because not only fourth down you have to punt deep in your own end.

But you stop the clock as well.

With only one time-out in your pocket.

Big defensive stand there by Toombs County.

And that's big as we now below 5 minutes in this game.

Brady Weaver now to punt.

Alex Scott back to return the punt.

Good surge there along the line.

Fair catch called for at midfield by Scott.

Good concentration.

With Jase Collier on his face as that.

Ball came in.

Hang on to it.

As you mentioned again, this is our third of five games today on the great GPB.

Coming up next is Hapeville Charter versus Carver Columbus.

That's the class Two-a boys game.

And class 5-A game is coming up a bit later.

We had a couple of.

We got fantastic.

We had the flip flop because of things.

The Gainesville, 6-A oh that's right, that's right.

We got the six.

That's right six ayes tonight.

Oh yeah we do.

Carrollton can't wait for that one.

And Buford Buford.

Yeah.

All right.

Can the Worth County defense do it one more time here in the second half?

Toombs County shut out since half time.

Powell spinning.

Finally brought down Brady Weaver.

Just saw this guy make a big defensive play, right?

We just saw Powell get up and knock that pass down.

King Toomer part of the stop as well.

Four yard gain.

Toombs County got to keep moving.

Throw outside to Fletcher finally get it to him out to the 40.

Where they're going to mark that.

Looks like he will.

Yes.

First down.

First down.

They've been hard to come by for this.

Bulldogs offense.

Clock ticks under 4 minutes.

Now everything on the line.

There's no tomorrow comes down to this.

Fletcher in the game.

Powell up the middle.

Big sack there by Weaver.

Clock continues to run.

Powell is just going to run and lean behind that big offensive line.

Guys have just been working hard all afternoon.

Second down, 7 yards.

He has been the workhorse.

But again, Toombs County has not found the end zone since the opening drive.

Only two field goals to show for that.

And that came close in the first half as well.

Powell again inside the 35 gang of tacklers, there be third and short and the clock continues to run.

Yellow hats are all around.

Here he is again.

Third down.

Joshua McGee first one there.

Number 48.

Third and two.

Powell.

Numbers 34 carries 149 yards.

Nearing the 230 mark.

Carroll in motion.

Powell up the middle and he's going to be short.

Brings up a fourth and one.

There's Brady Weaver number 13.

He's been getting his head on all afternoon.

Now.

The quarterback Owens comes out of the game.

So look for a direct snap here.

To Carroll number 2.

Carroll number 2 Wilds is in.

Got 16 Brandon Stevens.

Well, they're in no hurry at all.

Play clock is down to ten.

Do you give it straight to Powell?

I go straight to Powell.

You go to Carroll and they've got it now.

The false false start penalty.

They weren't organized.

False start offense.

Five yard penalty.

Boy, what a time.

For that.

That's huge.

Time for that.

Yeah.

Sam, they just didn't seem like they would have any urgency at all.

Maybe some hesitancy reservation.

But you would think a team that gets to that point, what do.

We do?

Yeah.

Are we ready?

See that's.

Wow.

Yeah.

And that line has played so well today.

It really has.

Well as we talked about you've got Carroll in the direct snap.

But then Powell was right next to him.

They seemed like they weren't sure they were talking to each other when the when the line somebody the line moved.

So big play right here.

This could be your ball game.

Fourth and six.

They've got to get to the 30.

Owens picked off intercepted Dashaun Rockwell.

He's to midfield.

Rockwell Powell brings him down.

But the Worth County defense does it again.

What a time for this play.

We talked about in the second half.

The defense has been the factor in this game.

The defense has really came to play.

And the swarm D play after play.

Is this the one that could pretty much seal the state championship?

Dashaun Rockwell.

And that could be the play that sealed a state championship for this Worth County football team.

Crowd from Sylvester can feel it.

Wow.

It's been a long time.

Really has.

What a moment.

Kneel down by the quarterback.

Worthy.

Toombs County will take their final time-out.

A time-out.

Time-out.

Toombs County.

That's their third and final time-out.

We're now 66 seconds away from history.

The first undefeated season in Worth football history.

Trying to go to 15-0 and their first state title since 1990.

That's a generation of young people who come through that school now.

Their sons are playing on this team and they're watching right now.

It's pretty amazing when you think about it that way.

And keep in mind the Worth County defense coming up, the big stop there after the fumble at midfield, stop after stop after stop.

How about the quarterback Worthy what he's done 22 of 30 for 217 yards.

The touchdown pass to put them on top to Farley in the third quarter.

The kneel down here and one more to go.

They cannot stop the clock.

Toombs County the defending champion, going to come up short in 2025.

They made it back to Atlanta.

They made it back to the Barnes a different cast and a lot of positions.

But they made it back here and for a time it looked like they would win this.

But this trophy is going to go back to Worth County.

One more play here.

Last play the kneel down Lyndon Worthy and on the far sideline they begin to celebrate.

You seeing tears.

How about that?

What a job by Jeff Hammond.

We talked about tenth coach since 2000.

Trying to bring some stability here.

The emotions.

It's been a long time.

It has.

Very long time for this community, for the school.

Fourth year head coach.

And as you mentioned, he said you can fire me after three years if they don't get a title.

They didn't.

And in year four, they were rewarded for their patience.

And the team from Sylvester the Worth County Rams 2025 state champions.

Undefeated season for the first time.

Oh.

That's going to be a happy bus ride back down the road tonight.

Yes, it is.

We talked about that second half effort allowing just 101 yards for this Toombs County offense, giving up just five first downs.

But the key play that interception the moments that you had to have and that they'll remember for a lifetime.

Anyone around this program and the.

School absolutely.

Absolutely.

We had a quarterback who had done so much right this year and stepping into some big shoes from T.J.

Stanley had done so much right this year, and he makes that mistake there at the end.

And just credit Rockwell for reading the play.

I mean, he was wide open right there.

Rockwell reading the quarterback's eyes all the way through.

And the play, they'll be talking about a generation from now.

Yep.

You're seeing the players there on the time, taking his time, and it's really hard for some of the players from Toombs County.

But you talk about some guys who really played hard for four quarters here this afternoon to win the state championship.

And just like the game we worked yesterday, it's tough to see one team leave without because they both played with the Heart of Champions.

Yep.

Yep.

That's what gets you here.

Yeah.

It's that something extra to get you over the finish line.

And that's what keeps us coming back year after year to see the story develop in front of us.

Absolutely, absolutely.

Toombs County goes 13-2 The region three champions.

And again, a team that had never reached the semifinals before last year.

Now they've done it in back to back years.

They've got one title to show for it.

And now a runner up finish to follow up their Buddy Martin.

Only his fifth loss in 42 games as head coach of Toombs County.

And we certainly congratulate them for a season well played.

Their ten game win streak comes to an end, but on this day, the Worth County squad coming in and the defensive effort that they showed.

And now just a special moment.

Getting ready for the trophy presentation here in a few moments.

Getting things set up the stage again.

The class two championship coming up in just a few moments after that, after our studio show, Nikki and Nelly.

Look at that guy.

He has played with the heart of a warrior today.

Yes, yes.

We don't have the tackle stats in front of us, but we we believe that number is high under his under his column.

He worked today.

Toombs County right now on the stage getting their second place trophy, if you will, being recognized for a season well played.

Absolutely.

And with the guys they have coming back, they've got a lot of talent on that team.

They'll lose a lot of guys.

There's no question.

There they are.

They're getting the runner up trophy.

Talking about Nick Carroll is a sophomore, Justin Powell a senior quarterback, Joseph Owens as a junior.

He'll be back.

Lot to work with on that team.

How about this team coming through and what they've done?

Just a remarkable job.

And the fans saying, hey did you see me on the big screen?

Do you see me on GPB?

They showed us on the big screen.

Oh the big trip to Atlanta for some, maybe the first time ever being in this building.

Yeah.

Sure.

It is a trip that they will never forget.

Yeah.

And that itself to be in this building is special.

This is a very special.

You and I have been a lot of stadiums in our careers.

Yes.

This one's one of the premier ones.

There's no question about that.

Okay.

The time has come.

Let's go down to our friend John Nelson for the announcement.

Thank you very much, Larry Smith.

It is time to award yet another trophy here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

First and foremost, though, shout out to everybody who came from Lyons and Toombs County once again making it to the last game of the year.

Fantastic season as a defending champ.

Welcome back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Hope you have a great 25.

Thanks for being here once again.

Great season for Buddy Martin and everybody at Toombs County.

But we've got a trophy to award for someone who hasn't won it in a very long time.

And to do that, it is the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott, and our friends from Alfa Insurance.

Thank you.

How about that?

Worth County High school community.

What a fan base.

Guys, you did a great job, man.

You competed well.

And behalf of Alfa Insurance, we would like to present you with the state championship trophy to Worth County High School.

I do this, man.

Don't cuss.

Don't cuss.

Hand it to somebody else.

Let's go.

Stay up here.

Don't cuss.

We gotta show that off a little bit.

Now.

How difficult was this year to go with all of the expectations that were from the outside, to run the table the way that you did?

Obviously, finishing in a very tough game today.

How hard was this year for you?

Honestly, I got a great bunch of seniors.

They have led us since January.

They they have done everything I've ever asked them and they have found a way to win 15 times.

You and I look over here off to our left.

There's a lot of folks that came from Sylvester and Worth County.

What's it like to see that kind of support for a day like this?

They got exactly what they deserve.

We love y'all.

First time since the days of Milton Miller Worth County Rams state champs.

Congratulations to them.

Send it back upstairs to put a bow on this Cotton Commission player of the game.

Coming up in just a little bit.

Nelly, thanks so much for that.

Yeah.

You know, we saw just really a classic Sam Crenshaw we talked about again, we knew coming in this was going to be one of those matchups.

Coach Jeff Hammond saying and we talked about it before in the pregame.

And Madi mentioned as well.

We talked to him this week.

He said, look, wouldn't it be better than them all year long?

Only one day, only one game.

It be better than them.

And it turns out on this day they are.

That was enough, right?

That was enough.

They brought it in today.

They came in and said, you know, let's sum it up.

Put it all together.

Close game.

At halftime, you had two more quarters to go.

He said, let's go out and play.

You know, they came out, talked about how he liked what his team did in the first half.

And he's very comfortable where they were.

You know he was talking with Maddie there at halftime.

He said you know let's go out and play the rest of this game and come out with a win.

His team found a way.

The defense ramp things up and they really took control and shut down and limited the offensive attack from Toombs.

That's the difference in your ballgame.

And they really it was a bend but not break.

They let him get a few yards here and there, but nothing downfield, nothing behind them.

We mentioned before just five first downs there in that second half.

Only 101 yards to a Toombs County offense to take down David versus Goliath, if you will.

The champs.

They take them down as Toombs County goes down in Worth County walks away with the trophy 17 13.

The final in this matchup right here.

So here it is.

You just saw history being made the first ever undefeated season in Ward County history.

And they get it done in such dramatic fashion.

The touchdown pass late and then the interception by Rockwell to seal the deal later.

They are celebrating.

The swarm is on.

Make it happen down in Sylvester Oh.

We've got so much more to come here on GPB, but be sure to stay with us for that.

We've got our show coming up.

The player of the game is on the way as well for our producer, Russ Aaron, for our director, Jeff Buck for Maddie Crews, for Sam Crenshaw.

I'm Larry Smith.

To the spoils go the champions.

Ward County in class A, Division one.

Congratulations.

Play of the game is coming up next here on GPB.

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving saves lives.

Heads up, Georgia.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

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Welcome back to Mercedes Benz Stadium and into Georgia Public Broadcasting.

We have three days of live championship coverage for you.

Welcome into our tailgate party.

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer and if you are just now joining us when I say we're having a tailgate party, that means we just crowned a state champion and we're in between matchups.

Let's go ahead and take a look at our Georgia EMC scoreboard to show you what just went down in class.

Single A Division one.

It was a big win for Worth County over Toombs.

Final score was 17-13 Now this is how we got there.

It was fourth and six for Toombs County with just under 90s left in the ball game.

Worth County Rashad Rockwell picked off Toombs and that play on defense sealed the deal.

The undefeated Worth County Rams extend their win streak.

Pick up the 15th win on the season, and they are now state champions, which is something they haven't done since 1987.

Well, our Maddie Crews, she is downstairs with a state champion.

Maddie.

Let's hear a little bit about this championship performance.

State championship indeed.

I am joined with Lyndon Worthy.

Who is your Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game?

Linden, let's talk about this crowd.

First and foremost.

I mean, how important were they today, especially in feeding you guys on the field?

They played a huge impact in how we do things.

They support us through everything we do, and it just means a lot that they all come and show up for us.

What was going through your mind when Dashaun Rockwell made that 60 1 yard interception for you?

It was crazy.

It was just sealed the deal.

It was amazing.

Just a moment I've never experienced before and it's all glory to God.

Everything we do.

Jeff Hammond told us earlier this week and told us that this is the most hard working team he's had in his 25 years of coaching.

How important has that work ethic been this entire season to get your first undefeated season in program history?

It's crazy.

We've been working since May and it's just been a grind day in and day out practices on the weekends, every day, and we've all committed to it, and it's just been a great ride.

First time state champion since 1987.

How does that feel to you right now hearing that?

It's crazy.

Wow.

But we did it.

We did it.

Lyndon Worthy, your Cotton Commission player of the game.

Thank you so much again.

And Worth County your 2025 state champions.