Welcome in to the GHSA High School Football State championship coverage.

Teams have worked all year to get right here to this moment.

Now welcome in.

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer.

We are live in broadcasting to you via Georgia Public Broadcasting from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

We're currently in day two of our three day championship coverage.

Yesterday we crowned four state champions.

Today we're going to hand out five trophies and we've got an incredible lineup for you.

So let's go.

Take a. Look at our schedule for the day.

First up we're going to kick off Flag Division three Whitewater versus North Oconee.

And then at 12:00 P.M.

We've got the flag Division four matchup of Milton versus Blessed Trinity.

At 2:00 P.M.

You'll get to see single A Division one Toombs versus Wirt County at 5:00 P.M.. We've got two a hateful charter versus.

Columbus.

And then at 8:00 P.M., you're going to want to stay up for this one, you guys.

It's that all.

Of the top two nationally ranked football teams Carrollton versus Buford.

So it's day two of our high school football championship coverage.

Our flag football Division three matchup is next.

Dave and Wiley, let's kick this thing off right now between Whitewater and North Oconee.

Day two begins with Division three flag football, the first of five games today, and it begins with the Whitewater Wildcats of Fayetteville, Georgia and the North Oconee Titans out of Bogart.

The Titans, looking for their first state championship after losing in these finals each the last two years.

Whitewater, meanwhile, making their debut and far from your debut, Dave Reynolds, our flag football guru, our expert.

Thanks for joining us, as always.

I'm Wiley Ballard and Dave.

When you look across the sport, this is the sixth year of flag football sanctioned by the GHSA and the growth we have seen has been exponential.

Yeah, it's not just the number of schools.

We start with 91 the first year and now up to 307 this year.

But it's just the pockets across the state.

The far reaches of the state are now playing flag football.

The girls have bought in the schools have bought in.

We've got the band, the cheerleaders here today.

So exciting part to be here for flag football in the state of Georgia.

And all those teams playing at a higher and higher level.

It feels like every year they're getting up to speed.

Now, speaking of getting up to speed, let's make sure we're up to speed with the differences in rules between tackle football and flag football.

The field today will be 80 yards long and 40 yards wide.

First downs will be achieved by gaining the zone line to gain, which are fixed lines 20 yards apart, will play 410 minute quarters with a running clock to the last 2 minutes of each half.

Under 2 minutes of clock will stop.

Similar tackle football.

Incomplete passes, scores and so forth.

Every player is eligible to catch a forward pass.

We've seen that centers already involved in the state championships this week already last one.

Flag football is a non-contact contact sport of basketball where you have screen blocking.

You do not initiate contact with your hands.

Well, Whitewater they've had a special, somewhat surprising run to the state championships.

Meanwhile North Oconee they have been here before twice, as we mentioned, looking for their first state championship.

So let's begin with the Titans and their key player to watch Katherine Cooper at quarterback.

And she makes that offense go.

Phenomenal athlete.

She's back.

She's been here before and she's only gotten better.

One of the best quarterbacks anywhere in the state.

Quiet leader natural quarterback.

Grew up throwing the ball in the backyard with her father.

All of her stats have increased.

You see the 67?

That's right, 67 touchdown passes on the season and a 71 completion percentage.

If tonight is a night we remember the Titans Catherine Cooper will have a major impact today for the Titans.

Well Whitewater is going to try and slow them down.

One of the pieces that will help them do that is Lynn Thompson.

She's a star at linebacker and also offensively.

Yeah, this four year player for the Wildcats.

Ready to impose her will.

She's tall.

She's fast.

Flies around the field.

Receiver of the year last year.

Comes back with almost 1,000 yards receiving this year.

But defense wins championships 16 interceptions 57 tackles.

If Whitewater finishes on top Lynn Thompson, we need to have some some win some of those one on one matchups down the field and have a major impact for the Wildcats today.

A chance for her to go over 1,000 yards receiving as well today.

And as we get set for the first of five games here on the great GPB, let's send it down to the great John Nelson.

Nelly, I feel like you were here, what, 12 hours ago?

The great, the great John Nelson.

Nice.

Let's see.

I'll get you breakfast tomorrow.

How about that?

Good morning to all of you.

Good morning Dave.

Good morning.

Good morning to all of you.

However you're accessing this large device or small.

Let's talk about these two teams down here for the last game of the year in Division three.

North Oconee.

They got rid of the boogeyman.

The boogeyman in the past for them has been Southeast Bulloch.

They beat them 21 20.

In the semifinal.

The third loss in program history for Southeast Bulloch.

They are not here.

They are a stalwart Mercedes-Benz North Oconee second year head coach.

Nicole O'Mara.

They have done it with offense.

They did it with offense in the semi southeast.

Bulloch is watching from Brooklyn.

Instead of being here at Mercedes-Benz.

So if North Oconee has their way, they're putting numbers on the board.

On the flip side, for Whitewater, it has been defense 13 of 14 wins down the stretch to get to the last game of the year and get this.

12 of those 13 wins, there has been a zero on the board defensively.

So look at it this way.

If trends are what trends are, if Whitewater defensively keeps North Oconee off the board, things are leaning in White Waters direction.

If North Oconee is putting points on the board and getting things their way, it's going to be a day where you remember the day that you faced the Titans.

Let's send it upstairs to start day number two with Dave Reynolds and our Wiley Bullard.

Gentlemen.

Little Coach Yost vibe there, I like that, I like that, Nelly.

We needed that to get us started here early.

10:00 A.M.

Dave, I was a little worried about you getting here on time.

Might be a little early, but no better place to be than right here.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium girls flag football day two.

Let's get after it.

Well, here we go.

Whitewater will have the football first and six in their own 24 after North Oconee won the toss and deferred and the first shot from Jaelyn Stanley is incomplete, targeting Lynn Thompson.

Well right there, you mentioned Lynn Thompson is going to be a big part of what Whitewater needs to do today.

She's got size, she's got speed, and she's also the reigning wide receiver of the year in flag football per score.

Atlanta.

So second down and six again.

Zones to gain.

So 6 yards to get to the new zone a pitch and a flip back.

Great ball movement that time from Whitewater incorporating Emma Morgan.

We do have a flag.

Might be roughing the passer there a little contact on the passer's arm.

You see Staley's numbers.

Defense ten yard penalty from the previous spot.

Automatic first down.

That's our official Martin deaths.

An Atlanta area official.

Yesterday it took an entire second game to get to our first penalty.

And here we are, the second play of today, our first.

Foul.

Head coach Nicole O'Mara there on the North Oconee sideline as that pass is incomplete.

Look at the starters for Whitewater beyond their quarterback Jalen Stanley.

A number of all area selections there, including Anna Turner, Julia Hudson, Emma Morgan and Lynn Thompson.

Coming out of area seven in Division three.

So second down and nine.

And a sack back near the 20 yard line.

Elizabeth Patterson, just her second sack of the year, but leads the team in tackles.

North Oconee showing a two front right now with the two rushers and their job is to go get the quarterback, make it very uncomfortable, right.

One pulls the flag, one gets in the passing lane.

Nice effort right there.

Just pulling that flag first time for the linebacker position.

Yeah to your point Lexi Favreau she cut off that lane.

So Stanley couldn't get rid of the football.

So now it's third down and 19 and nearly intercepted Aydyn Argo was all over.

It falls incomplete.

And here's a look at North Cobb.

I beg your pardon.

Yes.

North Oconee defense saw Elizabeth Patterson there with the sack on second down.

And then in the secondary Kallie Mashburn with eight interceptions.

Taylor Dillard got nine.

So some ballhawks back there for the Titans as Thompson will punt it away for Whitewater.

There are no fakes.

Each team must declare their intention on fourth down as that punt sails way out of bounds and we'll see where it is spotted right there at midfield, which is important to point out here, Dave, because that actually makes it first down and 20.

So in some ways it was better that it went out at the 50 and not say at the 39.

Again, I know this is an 80 yard tackle football field.

The midfield is statistically the 40, but visually the 50.

So opening possession for North Oconee lost to Southeast Bulloch two years ago in this state final.

Lost to Greenbrier last.

Year.

And Cooper's first pass is complete.

And what a move down the left side.

And a touchdown saving pull.

But Nolyn Herron the sophomore showing a little shiftiness.

Exactly why she's an elite soccer player.

Just makes the first person miss there up the field for another 10 yards.

Got to pull flags at a high level defensively on this stage.

Good pickup for the Titans.

So second down and ten.

Now another completed pass.

And now look at North Oconee offensive starters Kallie Mashburn over 1,000 yards 23 touchdowns from the wide receiver position.

Elizabeth Patterson also over 1,000 yards receiving.

Wilber completed pass.

That's a first down.

Could be Moore Mashburn headed towards the goal line and she's in.

Touchdown.

North Oconee Cooper to Mashburn.

Daley Mashburn.

Touchdown, Titans!

Nice job offensively continuing to mix up their looks on this drive.

The first couple plays again you got to pull flags the first time.

Nice job 47.

Taking that rock.

And finding the end zone.

Now the point after try to make it a 7-0 game.

Cooper's under duress and she is sacked.

There in the backfield.

Again we talk about a lot of important things in flag football.

Well extra points, tries are massive.

Sure you have the one, two and three potential scoring opportunities there, but you get a stop right there.

You feel a little better about it, right?

Whitewater gives up a quick touchdown, but at least stops that pat.

We'll see if that comes back to do anything.

Anna Turner by the way, there with the pull on the point after attempt.

So first down and six no kickoffs in flag football the opponent scores at the start of the half.

You take over on your own 14 and another incompletion here in the early going Jaelyn Stanley still trying to find a rhythm with the receivers.

It looks like see head coach Aaron Swift.

Coach Swift in his third year, but he's coached flag football for some time, including down in Florida.

A little bit of motion here.

Stanley going to keep it.

Pitches and all over Lexi Favreau not bothered.

She was able to cover both the ball and the pitch.

Player.

You mentioned the the experience of Coach Swift has down in Florida.

You know, as great as flag football is here in the state of Georgia, right?

They're doing it down there in Florida too.

So it's nice to talk to a coach who has that experience, not just in the state of Georgia, but also other places across the country.

And a hand off left side, a pitch back and a pull Taylor Dillard on the stop.

But good movement that time from Emma Morgan and Lynn Thompson.

Again.

Flag football, especially when you run the football, you're looking for that pitch option.

So you have that one more outlet.

Just don't give it to her quick enough.

If you do, you might be up the sideline, but good flag pull again.

First time by the Titans.

They've got them short of the line to gain.

It's fourth in less than one.

It looks like Whitewater is going to go for it.

Big play here.

And a flag.

And a pull behind the line.

What hands from Hayden Argo.

The penalty is going to be against Whitewater.

Flag.

Short of the first down.

And you would imagine North Oconee would decline this if given the option.

Look, a motion offense.

That penalty is declined.

First down.

There you see Martin debts and you saw Hayden Argo there.

By the way, she's got that mask on, supposedly because she's got a broken nose.

But I think it might be intimidation.

Dave I like it.

Whatever it takes to win championships.

Sign me up for that.

I didn't see the legal motion on film, but again, nice flag.

Pull up front.

Shorter line to gain really good effort there by the Titan defense.

And now surging across up the middle.

Interesting play call to get that possession started.

Khyree from Lexi Favreau.

There is head coach Nicole O'Mara in her second year as the head coach, but fourth year in the program worked under Jay Lasley, then took a job with the Miami Marlins.

Cooper zips it to the sideline.

Ooh, a physical hit.

That's what we talked about being a non-contact contact sport.

Elizabeth Patterson.

She did not shy away from the contact.

Gets the ball out fast to the edge.

Not sure who gets there to that spot.

First.

No, no laundry on the field on that one.

So third and goal Parker Sopp with the pull and the tackle.

Two player rush and a sack back behind the 20 yard line.

That's Anna Turner again.

The senior 17 sacks on the year.

Now.

Fourth down for the Titans.

Nelson talked about it in the opening about Whitewater defense, about all the points not giving up on the defense there.

Nice job rushing to consistently.

Got to apply pressure on 38.

Fourth fourth and goal.

Easy for me to say.

Fourth and goal from the 21 Cooper.

It's going to take a deep shot and overthrown.

Looking for Nolyn Herron.

She might have had a step on her defender, but Cooper wanted to make sure she got as deep as she could.

Rolls out of the pocket, maybe a little touch earlier than she wanted to to get her feet planted and have more accuracy there.

Nice job by Whitewater defense getting off the field.

You're right back where you started after that last drive.

So it's first down and 19 now as they take over on the their own 21 again an 80 yard football or flag football field.

And the catch is made.

But as soon as Madyson Rhone caught it her flag was pulled.

So the pitch to Emma Morgan a moot point.

Madyson flag.

Again tough sledding so far for the Wildcat offense.

They're pulling flags at a high level on defense for the Titans so far.

One quarter in the books North Oconee a 6-0 lead after 10 minutes.

Game one of day two here inside the Barnes.

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

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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.

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The North Oconee Titans have been a regular here in these state championships.

Their third straight appearance.

Let's take a look at how they got here and the score.

You've got to pay attention to.

They're in the bottom right Dave 21-20 They take down southeast Bulloch just the third loss in southeast.

Bullock's program's history.

They are 103.

And man that was a gritty rim or gritty win for Coach O'Mara and her Titans.

Yeah up early a little bit and kind of let them back in.

And then big try stop right there late in the ball game to get him over that hump.

Get him right back here.

You know again shout out to the schedule there for for North Oconee play McEachern in the regular season.

Blessed Trinity Milton.

Some names you've probably heard before.

Lambert.

Greenbriar.

So a tough schedule all year long for the Titans.

And for the North Oconee side.

You almost got to feel like this has a little miracle on Ice flavor, where you beat the Soviet Union, you beat Southeast Bullock, and now you're facing Finland.

And you better not mess up the gold medal game.

Exactly.

Eye on the prize.

Right.

You had a successful year, but you're just not done yet.

For all the teams that are here.

Right?

But again, so far for the Titan defense, just applying that pressure up front, making the quarterback uncomfortable, not letting her settle in quite yet.

Exactly what the Titans want to do on defense.

Yeah.

Lexi Favreau Hadyn Argo have made Stanley extremely uncomfortable here in the first half.

Just for the record, Nikki, Nick and Marcy Cochran, the head coaches, would not compare them to the Soviet Union.

Just want to make sure I had that.

Great clarification.

The record they are both.

They are both phenomenal people for this sport.

So yes, I appreciate, my relationship with the Cochran Cochrans down there in Southeast Bulloch.

We've talked a lot about White Waters defense, but North Oconee getting off the field again, and this time it'll be a punt from Lynn Thompson again, punts, if they are fielded cleanly, can be returned even off the bounce.

And Thompson bombs.

This one and taken at the 25 yard line pitched backward.

A flag comes in as the flag is pulled by Elin Moore.

Let's see what the call is here.

Was that ball pitched forward?

Maybe.

No video review this morning.

So it looks like a personal foul against.

North Oconee.

Oh, they're waving it off.

So no flag.

Here's what they were looking at here.

Oh, okay.

So she just tripped 13.

Just tripped trying to make the flag pull.

Obviously she gets the the Mercer half.

If that's a word of that contact there.

So I like the conversation and pick it up and let's keep playing.

That's why you got to wear a mouthguard in this sport.

Elin Moore showing some toughness there.

She took one of the chops.

And that pass is pulled in.

Kyler Hammond the center with her fingertips able to get North Oconee into the next zone.

And that centers a big part of the offense in flag football.

Love it.

You have athletes galore, tall wide receivers, and then you have the center just getting involved in the passing game.

There's all seven players out there eligible, so you can't just forget one like we saw right there.

So first and 15.

Cooper directing traffic takes a deep shot.

She's got a receiver and the pass is caught.

Kallie Mashburn again.

147 Kallie Mashburn.

A little slower on the rush up front.

Allows 38 to roll and get her feet set and point to the tall wide receiver.

I want you there.

I'll put it there.

Go up and get it with the orange gloves and the orange cleats.

Hard to win the one on ones when you got 47.

Jumping up in the air like that.

Yeah.

Coach Arren Swift for Whitewater compared her to Randy Moss.

In fact, he didn't really compare.

He just said she's Randy Moss.

Here's a look at the Whitewater defensive starters.

They've.

Played well so far this season John Nelson mentioned that great run they had with 12 shutouts in a 13 game span.

Lynn Thompson there at the safety spot.

So second down and goal from the eight Cooper to the end zone.

Touchdown Titans Nolyn Herron this time the sophomore.

Heard nice job.

38 is a really special quarterback.

But when you have wide receiver who are tall lanky and go climb the ladder to go get the ball, pitch and catches a little easier.

And now the point after attempt North Oconee going for one point here, and this time Cooper gets it away, but the pass is incomplete.

Let's take one more look here.

Catherine Cooper feeding Nolyn Herron Herron a track star.

I mean, just go up and get it.

Just watching her and how athletic she is.

My hamstring already hurts.

Phenomenal athlete right there.

Soccer player, track star climbing the ladder.

Pitch and catch for the touchdown for the Titans.

It's your hamstring hurting.

That's that's normal for you.

That's not Nolyn Herron.

I haven't stretched I'm not stretched yet.

First and six Stanley zips it and it's intercepted Mashburn off the tip.

Oh and a hard collision inside the ten yard line.

Kallie Mashburn.

With her ninth interception of the season, makes another play.

Frustrating so far for the Wildcats.

Little tip ball drill.

Sometimes that's how the mop flops in the right spot.

The right time.

Pretty physical out there so far for 10:00 A.M.

Flag football game.

Yeah.

Tip of the cap there to Evie Higman she took that one hard, but she kept Mashburn out of the end zone for the moment.

So first and goal Cooper is sacked.

They say the flag was pulled before she got the ball away.

And she just kept six points off the board.

Anna Turner again.

She has been a menace.

Yeah.

Nice job up front again.

Bend.

Don't break okay.

Try to get back off the field.

Go get that flag.

Go get that flag.

Pull the flag.

Very nice job.

And it is a good job of sack right there because 47 just climbed the ladder again in the back of the end zone.

Mashburn looks like a wrecking ball out there.

Cooper hoisted high.

Too tall looking for Herron.

And you can see the game plan pretty quickly by the Titans right?

In the passing game, you have these tall, phenomenal wide receivers out there.

Whitewater is playing a little more man than maybe we're used to seeing in flag football.

And so just put the ball up.

You have the height advantage.

Let's go.

Oh.

Cooper.

Incomplete.

There was Nolan Herron, and now brings up fourth down.

Yeah.

When you're when you can't get the ball up to these tall wide receivers, the one time they're wide open.

Let's just play pitch and catch.

Calm down right there.

That's one that 38 definitely wants back.

So fourth and goal.

Another deep shot and it is intercepted in the end zone.

Lynn Thompson reels it in looking for Kallie Mashburn.

But a great breakup at the start of that play to create the opportunity.

Emma Morgan look at her getting up here.

Yeah.

Nice job by the sophomore.

Knows where the ball is.

Goes up there.

All the effort.

Empty the tank on that one.

Nice job batting the ball down.

Teammates in the right spot.

Three blockers this time and nearly intercepted.

Elizabeth Patterson had her hands on it.

It looks like Whitewater perhaps making an adjustment here.

Dave trying to give Jaelyn Stanley a little more time.

Big part of flag football again.

The rushers on defense.

Quarterback on offense.

A phenomenal matchup to watch what adjustments you make in game maybe helps you get that trophy.

At the end of the day.

So the two minute warning will be normal timing rules.

Now in tackle football here in flag in these final 2 minutes.

Got the pass away but still a tackle for loss on the completion.

Aydyn Argo again Anna Turner with the catch.

Third down Lockette.

Having the ability to apply pressure with just one up front.

One rusher up front opens up a lot of options for defense to be right in the face on that pass.

Being caught.

Stanley incomplete.

She hit Elin Moore right in the numbers.

Moore couldn't hang on to it now.

Fourth down and because of incompletion, the clock does stop.

Yeah again.

Open.

And again.

You see the running back slipping out for maybe a pitch relationship opportunity there.

Definitely one that she's made numerous times over the course of the year.

Definitely frustrating.

Punt coming from Lynn Thompson.

Oh my goodness.

It will land out of bounds.

But it'll be marked at the 23 yard line, so it'll be first and 17 coming up for North Oconee with a minute 11 on the clock.

And smart right there.

Right.

We've seen both punts have been kicked out of bounds.

Definitely directional.

Definitely trying to get, the ball downfield but also no return.

So we'll take that if you're from Fayetteville, Georgia.

A 43 yard punt.

North Oconee they have all three time-outs here, a chance to go up by three scores as we approach halftime.

Cooper flushed out.

Dumps it off.

Complete Elizabeth Patterson on the catch.

And Parker Sopp on the stop.

And it'll be second down and two.

Now.

Clock continuing to wind.

And that pass short hops looking for Patterson again on that dump off.

45 seconds three time-outs.

Get the ball back in the second half.

Correct.

Plenty of options here for the Titans.

You're up by two scores.

And a sack Cooper run down again.

And a Turner pulling flags and taking names back.

There.

A loss.

Just showing why the all area player has 18 sacks now on the season.

Cool.

Whitewater.

If they have a first half MVP it's going to be Anna Turner.

Here's a look at the Wildcats and their road to the finals.

You see all the shutouts there, especially a 6-0 defensive struggle against Richmond Hill, but I'd say that's a pretty good day at the office when you play that quarterfinal and semifinal on the same day and you blink both.

Yeah, it's a tough playoff format for all flag football teams play the first round and the second round on the same day, so you win game one, take a five minute water break.

Go play game two.

Same for the quarters and semis.

Just turn it right around pretty quickly.

So shout out to all the teams that have survived this gantlet of our playoff bracket here in the state of Georgia.

Yeah, if you make those semifinals, there's not a whole lot of time to celebrate.

Water break.

Got to get back on it.

All right.

So with the sack, North Oconee will punt.

And a good punt from Kyler Hammond as it sails out of bounds now 31 seconds left, Whitewater still has two time-outs after they called that first one to stop the clock.

And with North Oconee getting the ball back, you're down by two scores.

How aggressive do you think Whitewater will be here?

Just.

Just stay with who you are, okay?

There's no point taking a deep shot necessarily, right?

Get a little momentum.

Kind of struggle on offense today.

See if you can build some of that going into the half.

Just executing offensive plays.

And a flag.

False start offense.

Five yard penalty.

Still first down ten.

Looked like they had Madyson Rhone in motion.

And I don't know who else moved there Dave.

Yeah top of your screen wide receiver a little excited right there.

Get off the ball.

First down.

And 23.

Now Stanley buying time.

Looking for help.

And she just has to chuck it in the general direction of Lynn Thompson.

Incomplete.

Second down.

Definitely one of your go to wide receivers.

But that play double coverage down the field.

Wildcats happy to have incomplete pass there and not going the other direction.

Stanley lets it rip quickly.

She had an open receiver Emma Morgan but skipped it in.

So 20s now and it's third down and 23.

Take care of the ball right here.

If you don't get the pick up the first down the clock, keep running.

Maybe the Titans call time-out, take care of the football.

Rhone in motion again before the snap.

Stanley is throws an interception to Mashburn who picks it off and races back to the 20 yard line.

It'll be first and goal with 12 seconds left.

Kallie Mashburn her second interception of the day.

The sophomore is playing with her hair on fire.

Only person in that area code just gets the ball back upfield.

Not exactly what you wanted to do to finish out the half offensively.

Opens the door here for maybe option or two for North Oconee.

Deep shot, incomplete.

Looked like her target.

Nolyn Herron lost her footing.

7 seconds left at Nelly.

I know you were listening in there on the huddle.

Yeah, the idea was if the catch was going to be made inbounds and they were still either short of the goal line or any kind of a marker to get out of bounds to make sure that it was two plays.

That was the first play in this sequence.

Let's see what happens here.

Obviously time for one play and you're going to go for six.

Anna Turner needs to finish this half off strong.

Applying that pressure so the receivers don't have time to get the end zone.

Here we go.

Another deep shot.

Incomplete.

Looking for Kallie Mashburn.

Sure looks like Nolyn Herron had some space there in the far corner of the end zone.

Now each of those plays took just 5 seconds, so a chance for one more shot.

Again with the length of the receivers for North Oconee.

Sometimes he's 50 50 jump balls downfield or low probability plays with this wide receiver corps.

We've got options.

Final play of the first half.

Can North Oconee make it a three score game at the break Cooper sends it deep and it is caught.

Touchdown Elizabeth Patterson takes the elevator to the top floor and it's six more for North Oconee.

Phenomenal job by and time up front.

Cooper just standing in the pocket.

Has trust.

Puts the ball up, climbs the ladder.

Defense is right there.

I mean right over the tip of Lynn Thompson jumping hands.

Yeah.

And North Oconee is going to opt to go for more than one point here Dave.

Yeah.

Going for two here.

Ball placed 10 yards away from the goal line.

Oh no way.

Deep Mashburn cannot bring it in and that will end the first half.

North Oconee lost to Southeast Bulloch two years ago in the championship.

Fell to Greenbrier last year in the finals this year they're up 18-0 after two quarters of play.

Let's go down to John Nelson, who is joined by head coach Nicole O'Mara.

Thank you very much.

Wiley.

You start the you start the game off, you get that score, you end the first half with the score.

That's a good work at the beginning and the end.

I know that you're probably sitting there thinking, okay, we probably could have had more points though too.

I definitely think we could have had more points.

We left a few out there, you know, we didn't get the extra points.

We didn't convert on that last one where we, you know, she threw the interception.

But all in all, the girls are doing what we asked of them.

You know, they're playing hard.

They're running their routes.

They're doing what what we've done all season.

So I couldn't be more proud.

And you're getting the picks too.

We'll see you coming up.

Third quarter.

Thanks for hanging out.

Nicole O'Mara head coach John.

They're on top.

Let's see what Whitewater has to answer.

Halftime coming up with Nikki in just a little bit here on GPB.

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And to our GPB halftime show.

If you're just now joining us, we're live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium for day two of our state championship high school football coverage.

I'm Nikki Noto Palmer.

Thanks so much for joining us.

Let's go ahead and get you filled in with an update for our first game of the day.

Thanks to our friends over at Georgia EMC scoreboard, it is halftime of Division three right now between Whitewater and North Oconee, and right now it is all Titans.

The Titans are on top 18 to nothing.

You're going to want to listen to this name.

It's Kallie Mashburn.

So far she's had two touchdowns and two picks for the Titans.

She's only a sophomore now from the Georgia EMC scoreboard to the Georgia EMC Awards.

Our John Nelson has more on this year's winners.

Now from the Georgia EMC scoreboard to the Georgia EMC Awards, our John Nelson has more on this year's winners.

One.

23.

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Congratulations to all the winners this year.

Thanks so much, Nelly!

Now we've been showcasing really unique student athletes all season long.

Thanks to our friends over at U-save Pharmacy.

And now we have Caroline Maxwell.

She's a tennis player from Bainbridge High School.

She's at the top of her game and she isn't slowing down.

She's got a great serve.

She's got a phenomenal forehand.

She has the talent, but she could sit on her talent and not grow it, and she wouldn't be near where she is because she chose to put in the work.

She will reap the rewards at the end.

She's always wanted to win and she's always had that drive to do so.

And if she didn't, she wanted to know what she could do to get there.

But to be at the top of your game and still have room to grow and have college scholarships already on the table and more interested, that's a big accomplishment.

All right, so it's currently halftime of our flag Division three matchup between Whitewater and North Oconee.

But our next game that's coming up is for our flag Division four matchup.

And that's going to be between Milton High School.

I've got Coach Nixon with us right now.

We'll talk to him in just a minute, and they're going to be playing Blessed Trinity.

So thanks as always to our friends over at Georgia Access that we get to have these awesome conversations up here on set.

So without further ado, I would love to introduce Coach Clark Nixon from Milton High School.

Congratulations, coach, you made it to the bin.

Yeah.

What a what a huge opportunity this was.

We were in it three years ago and we knew with that freshman group, by the time they were seniors that we'd have an opportunity to hopefully get back.

And we have.

So all right.

So you brought up 2022.

It's 2025.

This senior group of girls is so special.

How have they grown from the heartache of 2022 to this exciting opportunity they have in front of them?

Yeah, I mean, I mean just just more experience, right?

I mean, we talk about reps, reps, reps, reps, reps.

I mean, with our sport being so new, these girls are already high level athletes.

But we got to teach them how to play properly.

But really from the standpoint of adversity and dealing with when things are difficult, how to how to overcome that and they've done a great job.

I was going to say so in 2020 4-20 25.

You guys were area champions.

How do you just keep that momentum going and building on that success from from last year and from this year?

Well, I mean, it starts off with with great players.

I mean, I wouldn't be here at all if I didn't have great players.

But really just just our culture and we use the term process driven.

It's, it's, it's a saying that we use that, you know, we're going to show up whenever it's difficult.

We're going to we're going to work hard.

We're going to be great teammates.

And they just they just have believed in that.

And they they're great group.

They're very hard working.

And they knew that they had an opportunity to be one of the best in the state.

And they, they have every single day come out to practice and done the things that we, we've speak, we've presented to them.

So but, yeah, just couldn't be more proud of this senior group.

Well, Milton as a whole.

I mean, you guys built an empire over there and strive for excellence in everything that you do this year.

You've already faced Blessed Trinity back in November, you guys came away with the victory 18-12 So how much does that familiarity come into play?

These two teams are also 5 miles apart, so you got to know them a good bit, right?

Yeah.

I mean, I mean, the good news is, is that we know who we're playing out there today, right?

I mean, I have the utmost respect for Brandon and his program.

I mean, they're they're one of the best year in and year out.

I actually have a really good close relationship with Brandon.

We'll coach together.

And the all star tournament coming up here in a in a couple of weeks.

And.

Yeah, I mean, he's outstanding at what he does.

And yeah, I think the girls are just excited, right?

I mean, that's really what it is.

We we kind of had a feeling like it might be us and BT at the end.

And so yeah, we were fortunate the first time girls played a great game.

And yeah, we're just looking for the opportunity again to get out there and for a second time against them.

Coach, I know you went to BT.

Yeah.

So what's the Allegiant like with with your family I mean they're supporting you where you are.

But they also don't forget where you came from.

Yeah.

Really really blessed to have four years at BT really shaped me into being prepared for college and going on to be successful.

You know, Ricky Turner, the Addie was was the football coach when I was there.

And so it was it was great seeing him at the the meeting last week and him giving me a hug and just congratulating me and stuff and yeah, it's tough.

I mean, we don't really have a crazy allegiance to to BT anymore, but you know, still following when I can.

Coach real quick.

I have an eight year old daughter.

Her name is Frankie.

We're in the Milton feeder system, if you will.

Where?

Zone from Milton High School.

There are over 300 schools.

Now that offer girls flag football as a varsity sport, which is absolutely incredible.

What's your advice to parents like me that have daughters like me, that want to start getting their girls in the game?

Yeah, I mean, get involved.

It's a great game.

I mean, it teaches you so many lessons.

It's it's so fun.

My daughter is in the same situation.

She's ten.

We just won a state championship.

Ten.

You up at Jackson County?

Two weeks ago and got to coach her in that through the Cherokee Rec league.

And yeah, I would I would say get involved in it now.

It's a perfect time to get going.

Right.

With it still being new, you don't need to be an expert at understanding how to play the game.

Just come out and and just be an athlete and just have a lot of fun.

And that's what we do.

All right.

So we'll take some video of us in the backyard.

We'll send it over to you.

Yeah.

And then we'll see what happens.

Coach, thanks so much for joining us.

Good luck in the next game that we have coming up.

Awesome.

Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Appreciate it.

Absolutely.

Well, thanks again to our friends over at Georgia Access that help make these conversations possible with all of our coaches, principals, and special guests coming up, we'll have the second half of Flag Division three between Whitewater North Oconee.

You don't want to miss that beat or North Oconee is on tap right now.

18 to nothing.

We have more football coming up right here after the break.

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What?

Come on.

Are you blind?

Come on.

Oh, what a bad call.

You have no business being out there.

Terrible.

You know, I'm a person too.

We are getting ready for the start of the third quarter in our Division three flag football state championship.

The North Oconee Titans hoping the third time is the charm.

They've got an 18 point lead as they look for their first ever state championship.

After losing the last couple.

He's Dave Reynolds and Wiley Ballard and Dave North Oconee.

They're on a mission.

They've made it back here and they have delivered the first two quarters.

Yeah, exactly.

You can see their offensive approach.

Just get the ball up to the tall wide receivers.

And for North Oconee, they got started early.

You mentioned those tall wide receivers Dave I mean they have been able to target players like Kallie Mashburn Nolyn Herron Elizabeth Patterson all day long.

And they've been making the plays.

Exactly two interceptions for for Mashburn already and a touchdown reception just right there going up to catch that touchdown pass.

Tough tough, tough to stop this offensive threat downfield.

And then defensively they've done a great job of disrupting the passing game for Whitewater.

And speaking of Whitewater, our own John Nelson is joined by head coach Aaron Swift down on the sideline.

Thank you very much.

Wiley let's catch up with the coach they were talking about in the highlights.

Just the tall timber that you're having to go up against from their receivers and your defensive backs.

What are you telling your secondary getting into the second half?

Yeah I think we need to continue to get good pressure when our rushers are able to box her in.

Makes it a little bit more uncomfortable.

So we don't want to depend on her just throwing jump balls and making her comfortable back there.

So continue to get good pressure.

And then at the same time offensively you were telling the quarterback, make sure to release the ball a little faster so you could get into a rhythm.

And so they don't get the sack you back there.

Yeah we want to get in a rhythm, be decisive and make plays.

We don't want to play the entire game on defense.

So we had to clean up some of that and see where we go with that direction.

Thanks.

Thanks, Erin.

Thank you.

All right.

That's the rundown here at Whitewater.

That's the first half.

Let's get ready for the second, guys.

Thank you Nelly.

It'll be North Oconee football to begin the third quarter.

And Coach Swift makes a good point there.

As much as North Oconee wants some big plays there on the jump balls.

There were also a number of plays where the rushers for Whitewater, particularly Anna Turner, really disrupted Catherine Cooper.

If they can do more of that, give themselves a chance to come back in this one.

Yeah.

Erin Turner two sacks in the first half.

Hudson grabbing another one of those three sacks, really slowing down.

Titan defense.

He did get off the field in a hurry here for Whitewater.

Now it is worth pointing out this is technically a two score game in flag.

Football.

And over the Huard the center Kyler Hammond has nobody around and she'll be stopped around midfield.

Another big play.

And I beg your pardon, that was actually Lexi Favreau in the backfield making the catch.

You catch the pass, you catch the pass.

Spreading the ball around.

So far this morning and just shows the speed and shifting the hips.

Three year starter of the running back position.

Big gain on first down.

So first and one.

Now they got to get across midfield.

And did Cooper get there or not.

They'll say she did.

First and 20 now from midfield.

Again if you look at the halftime stats of of rushing yards not a whole lot going on there for both teams.

Nice job pulling the flag right there.

Does pick up the first down.

But we've already talked about this morning.

It's first and 20.

Changes the playbook a little bit.

And as much as the game of modern tackle football is reliant on the pass attack flag football even more so, you rarely see many rushes as Cooper dumps it off.

But before she got rid of it, she was sacked.

Another sack for Whitewater that gives them four as a team today.

And you know you have to defensively for the Wildcats.

You know you're playing a lot of man defense behind these rushers.

So the rush have to get there and apply that pressure.

Fourth one on the day already for the Wildcat defense.

And third for Anna Turner.

As you're saying this is a two score game you can go for or score a touchdown and then go for three.

So imperative that there's a stop for Whitewater.

We got a flag coming here, a big collision between Taylor Dillard and Madyson.

Rhone probably going to be on the defense here.

Defense ten yard penalty from the end of the run.

So instead of third and long coming up it's.

Gonna be second down.

Again.

For those who are trying to learn this game.

Right.

Think of that block charge.

And basketball.

Penalty from the end of the catch.

Still second down.

How'd you kind of runs up and way too physical for flag football there on that attempted flagpole?

Yeah.

So instead of second and long, it's second and short.

And that pass falls incomplete.

Looking for Patterson Parker Sopp making a play on the ball.

As we've been talking about, though, it's critical for North Oconee to find a way to keep your pardon Whitewater to keep North Oconee off the board.

Keep this a two score game.

This clock will move fast.

Deep ball incomplete.

Juggled for a moment by Herron and now fourth down coming up and North Oconee will go for it again.

Sticking with the game plan that I see so far today.

Love that arm slot by the quarterback.

Love that nice ball down the field.

Just can't come down with that one on one matchup there.

You ask why you go deep on third and six.

Well you know it's fourth down territory.

So here we are again.

Got to get to the 30 yard line.

And it is court.

Great hands inside the red zone.

Julia Hudson with her first catch of the afternoon I beg your pardon.

That's Taylor Dillard.

Excuse me.

Taylor Dillard with her first catch of the day.

Coach said that this player plays with a high intensity run.

Run through a brick wall if you if you want to.

And you can see how she just keeps going to the whistle.

Missed the flag pole.

Keeps going.

Getting more yards.

So instead of a turnover on downs, it's first and goal and Favreau gets a little closer down to the six.

Again.

The end zone.

The goal line is the ten yard line.

So second and goal from the six.

Can Whitewater make a stop here on their goal line?

Cooper throws pass is complete and touchdown!

Elizabeth Patterson with her second score of the day and it is all Titans as they come out of the halftime break and drive down the field 64 yards.

Nice to have wide receivers who who know how to find that empty space.

A little bit of separation.

Defenders right there rushes right in the face.

Pretty good defense.

But again the one on one matchups going Titans way today.

Point after try for one Cooper racing ahead trying to reach.

And she gets in the point after is good and 25 to nothing.

North Oconee over Whitewater.

And what a day for Catherine Cooper Dave.

She's been distributing the ball to receivers for passing touchdowns, throwing for nearly 200 yards and then scores them to point herself here.

And on this try to get a lot of misdirection.

The rushers get too wide.

They've had a lot of success today.

Getting to Cooper.

But not that when they lose that that ability she goes right back up the middle for a successful try.

So it is now a three score game.

And that climb is going to be long for Whitewater Stanley completed.

Pass a pitch back and ultimately nothing there.

Hayden, Argo and the rest of the Titans snuffed it out and dropped Emma Morgan for a loss.

If she took the pitch.

Just tough sledding today for the Wildcat offense.

A little too early on the pitch by number 3 right there.

Lyles.

The defense played Argo to play both receivers right there.

Stanley delivers a deep ball over everybody's head.

Brings up third.

And we say it was too early on the pitch.

Can you explain that.

Yeah.

So again the separation right there.

We want the we want the linebacker Argo to get to the first receiver with the ball before you pitch it out on the edge a little wider right there.

As soon as receiver caught the ball she pitched it.

Argo come right down the line.

Play.

Both players option offense like tackle football.

Right.

Do your assignment.

But if you allow the defense to play multiple players, you're not going to be as effective on offense.

You got to make the defenders make a commitment one way or the other.

So third and long and batted away, what a play defensively that time for North Oconee, that is Anniston Scott.

She breaks it up and forces the punt team on for Whitewater.

Just trying something a little different here for the Wildcats on offense.

A little more down the field on this possession.

Just just covered up.

Just like my gravy on my biscuit right there.

Solid defense by the Titans.

You know Lynn Thompson she had body position on Scott.

But Scott able to reach over her shoulder and swat it away.

Punt from Thompson.

Sails out of bounds around midfield.

We'll see where it's marked off.

Looks like we're going to be at the 39 yard line.

So first and 19 for North Oconee.

Now you've got a three score lead.

You're up 25-0 You got a lot of options I mean I know you don't want to take your foot off the gas here in the state championship, but you're not necessarily in a hurry to move down the field.

You can choose some clock up.

Cooper.

Well, forget about that.

A deep shot down the right side.

That's been their offense, Dave.

I mean, that's really that's how they've had the most success moving the ball.

You mentioned they've rushed for a negative total, so it's not a matter of them, you know, continuing to put the pedal to the metal as much as it's just the way they've moved the ball.

Just be who you are.

Coach Salem there from the sideline does not have wristbands.

Calls them in from the sideline.

Just keep playing different formations, keep spreading the football.

Keep doing what you do.

Down the right side, off to the races goes Dillard.

And she is in.

Touchdown.

Titans.

Touchdown.

And the touchdown dance to boot I think they had that one rehearsed Dave.

Just gives the ball to the edge.

Got to pull flags.

He's right there where she's supposed to be.

And then it is here there and gone to the house.

I've not seen dance moves like that since my uncle at my wedding.

That's fantastic for the celebration down there, for the Titans.

Having a day.

What is he doing there?

On the point after Cooper stops short so the score remains 31-0 But now all four starting wide receivers from North Oconee have scored a touchdown.

Again.

It's tough right here.

You get the ball on the edge.

Wright Coach Swift likes the one on one matchups.

It's kind of been his defense all year.

Quarterbacks over there right where you want them.

Should be a short gain.

And again when you're in man to man coverage and you miss flags against athletes, they'll make you pay for it.

That is a 39 yard touchdown pass.

And Catherine Cooper getting close to 5,000 yards passing on the season.

Stanley.

And that might have been a forward pitch either way.

Say the flag was pulled before Thompson got rid of.

It.

And that might be the end of the third quarter.

Here we approach the final 10 seconds.

And that will be the end of the third quarter.

So the North Oconee Titans from Bogart, Georgia, a comfortable lead at half.

They have made it luxurious at the end of the third quarter.

They're 10 minutes away from the first flag football state championship.

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GPB sports broadcast of this game is made possible by supporters of the GHSA, including the National Federation of High Schools.

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Welcome back to the.

Ben's getting you ready for the final 10 minutes.

North Oconee up by 31.

Definitely one of the stars of the day.

38 black because she's got four touchdown passes so far today.

So you look at a team like this, nationally ranked, how difficult is it to go from one end of the schedule to the other?

Pretty difficult.

We'll ask him and find out what's going on.

You've had a busy day.

We're going to talk to you maybe in a little bit.

We'll keep an eye on that kind of thing, because she's already been asking about later in the day, so we'll get to that in a second.

They've been talking in the huddle about finishing the task defensively, just making sure you pull threads, make sure the flags are pulled, finish out the season 31 to nothing.

Final 10 minutes Wiley and Dave.

And John for Catherine Cooper and her senior class.

I mean, how good does this feel?

You suffered heartbreak two years ago against Southeast Bulloch in the state championship, lost to Greenbrier last year in the state final.

And now you are 10 minutes away.

Really?

8 minutes away.

Is there a mercy rule in flag football?

If you get to the two minute warning and it's 19 points or greater margin, the game will be over.

Good pass from Stanley is complete to Thompson and a quick flag pull from Addie Argo.

Looks like we're getting some players a little further down the depth chart onto the field for North Oconee.

Pretty cool opportunity to take the field at Mercedes-Benz in the state final.

That's how you reload, not rebuild.

Every single year.

Big senior class right now.

Everybody.

Some experience on the field that we can talk about it down the road that if you're back here next year kind of thing, you can build on your culture and keep rebuilding, reloading.

Hazel Beam there.

Look at Zoe Hill a couple of them seniors who have been with this program throughout these last 3-4 seasons, a lot of heartbreak, but it looks like Sweet Victory is going to be here today.

And the flag pulled that time from Hazel Beam completed to Elin Moore.

Thank you.

Whitewater you knew you had a tough task today.

Keep playing football.

Keep playing flag football.

Enjoy the day.

Still.

Tipped in the air and incomplete.

And for Whitewater Dave, a team that went 23-3 their first ever appearance here in the state championship game, and this is a pretty significant step for their program.

They've got to be excited about what's ahead of them.

Yeah, exactly.

You got a prideful school down there in Fayetteville right?

Volleyball has already won a state championship this year.

The principal is on board.

Leadership is on board in that school.

And.

Deep shot.

Is complete.

And a flag coming here is Dillard gets tied up and rips the ball away.

It was a great catch.

And we got a flag coming here.

Let's see what we saw.

Might be a flag for contact on the defense.

Yeah, yeah.

If you.

Can't do contact defense.

Ten yard penalty from the end of the catch.

First down line of games to go.

So nice physical play here.

We're okay with again no contact non-contact contact sport.

But you can't wrap her up.

You know you wouldn't do that in tackle.

And then you cannot bat the ball or strip the ball away from the runner.

So both of.

Those situations.

Emma Morgan made that last catch and a sack for Lexi Favreau.

They say Stanley flag was pulled before she dumped it off.

Coach O'Mara described Lexi Favreau as a defender.

That's going to be in your face, and I think Jaelyn Stanley quarterback for Whitewater can testify to that.

Yeah, 29 sacks last year, 25 this year.

Phenomenal rush up front upon that pressure.

Rhone in.

Motion.

Trying to get on.

The board here.

And another basket.

Catch that time.

Lynn Thompson.

That's going to bring up a goal to go.

Opportunity for Whitewater.

Nice job by the senior quarterback standing in the pocket.

Been a frustrating day, but still find a way to find your leading receiver down the field.

Like you said, let's get some points on the board.

Let's just keep playing flag football.

So third down pass complete lunging for the end zone and they will mark Whitewater a yard.

Maybe two short, but a great snag.

Evie Higman will give them an opportunity on fourth and goal here.

Rolls the pocket out.

Buys a little extra time.

Really good concentration by the junior wide receiver to stay with that ball.

Get up field.

Almost good camera work right there.

Fourth and goal from the two Whitewater trying to get on the board.

It's caught.

Touchdown!

Whitewater!

Touchdown!

Emma Morgan!

Likely won't impact the outcome of the game, Dave, but this still feels good to get one on the board.

And for Emma Morgan, she was the one who took that hard contact on that drive, fitting for her to get the score.

Especially if you're a freshman playing flag football, going for three here, 15 yard line again, one, 2-3 try for points.

Opportunities for flag football.

Stanley trying to buy time and incomplete.

So the try fails.

And with less than 5:00 remaining here in the fourth quarter, it is a 25 point game.

And if it remains at least a 19 point margin or greater, this game will end at the two minute mark.

And so we've not talked about this week is there's no kicks, there's no kickoffs, so there's no onside kick currently in the flag football rulebook.

So for you tackle football gurus probably onside kick here for flag football.

Other team gets the football moving on.

The pass is complete to Hayden Argo.

Two and a new quarterback in as well.

Emery Harden junior has come in for North Oconee.

So that's going to put a bow on the career of Katherine Cooper.

And most importantly for Cooper and her senior class is going to end with a state championship.

And that pass complete to Addie Stewart.

So as you kind of review this one, Dave, I mean, North Oconee just felt like the size of their wide receivers was too much to overcome.

Yeah, they started off fast, early and often offensively.

Picked apart the Whitewater defense athletes all over the place.

Playmakers, physical, tall.

Checks a lot of boxes for a high octane offense.

Cooking with some gas today.

And North Oconee is going to punt.

Whitewater a chance to get the ball back.

Kyler Hammond Sidewinding punt lands out of bounds.

Clock is going to keep running this whole process here until the two minute warning.

Well Whitewater just.

A really impressive run here in the playoffs.

Beginning to finish 24-4 on the season.

And for coach Aaron Swift it really what could be a breakthrough year for their program.

But they will come up on the short end of this Division three state championship.

And North Oconee 30s away now as that pass is incomplete.

And the Titans you know Dave, there so many examples over the course of all sports where as you're climbing that ladder, trying to get further and further, sometimes you got to take some pretty serious heartbreak before you get over the hump.

And now a Time-out called here by Whitewater.

You just can't teach experience.

And that's exactly what the Titans have done from Bogart, Georgia.

Step by step, year by year building.

Building.

Returning players, coming back, adding more players from different sports to increase the depth that you have.

You know, the coaches obviously getting together and going to coaching clinics to get better as a coaching staff.

Athletes help.

Just building every single year.

It's been fun to watch.

Coach Swift trying to make sure the Wildcats get at least one more play here inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium Stanley sends it deep Rhone makes the catch her flag still on and she'll be dragged from behind.

A couple of flags come out.

The clock is still running.

32.

The two minute warning is here in North Oconee is going to win the state championship.

Waiting for it to be official.

Coach O'Mara on the sidelines.

It's been a long journey for the Titans.

Holding defense, ten yard penalty.

Jhett Wilson first down being on time down.

So an untimed down.

Let's say they cannot end the game with a defensive penalty.

So one more chance here for Whitewater to get on the board.

And North Oconee has got to wait a few more moments.

Stanley to the air, incomplete and North Oconee state champions.

Finally, the Titans are on top.

That's the two minute warning.

This game is over.

Big chance baby.

And you can see the smiles and the relief for North Oconee.

They slayed the dragon.

Southeast Bulloch in the semifinals.

21 20 and showed no mercy here in the state championship, finishing the job 31-6 and a state championship trophy.

And that smile are headed back to Bogart.

Georgia victorious.

And how about the journey for Coach O'Mara as well?

You see some of the emotion there for Whitewater, but for Coach O'Mara first as an assistant leads her team back to the state championship in her first year as the head coach and now this year gets the job done.

I mean, it's been a lot of hard work poured into this program over the last four years.

Now.

We talked about a little bit yesterday.

It's not easy taking over an already high octane program, and she's done that and finally took a smile right there.

Take a deep breath, actually.

Finally enjoy the journey.

Now that it's over and you're on top.

Gotta love the passion players love playing for her, love watching film, love getting better each day out.

She was.

The.

Swim coach back in the day.

Slowed that down a little bit.

And enjoys watching some baseball out there.

In Bogart as well.

Their sons on the baseball team.

And there's a lot of people who've been invested in this North Oconee team, and we've talked about Coach Jay Lasley, their former head coach.

You've also got former Georgia Bulldog great David Pollack.

He has poured a lot of work into this group, helping them get better.

And Dave, it's just there's something special about watching a team that has worked so hard for so long and and dealt with some serious disappointment to finally get to the mountaintop.

And those smiles really kind of say it all.

These smiles.

I don't know what they're going to say, Dave.

I mean, North Oconee with the big win and just for a moment, Whitewater, you know, you talk about Coach Herron Swift and and the Wildcats they're building that program.

He knows what top level flag football looks like coming from Florida.

But a great season for the Wildcats to.

You win over 20 wins on the season.

You come home with a smaller sized trophy but something to build on.

You saw what it looks like today.

The bright lights and the and the athletes and and something a program worth kind of mimicking on to take back to Fayetteville, take back to where you come from and just build on what you've been doing.

So congrats to Whitewater for for making it this far.

So the state champions Harris County defeats Washington County.

You've got a thriller yesterday.

Jenkins coming up just short against and their state championship against Greenbrier.

Let's take a look back at what we saw yesterday in the flag football state championships.

And it also includes the tackle football games as well.

Summary of day one here at the state championships Harris County 32 to nothing.

They take down the Golden Hawks their first state championship.

Greenbrier completes the three-peat defeating Jenkins 20-13 Then on the tackle side a couple of name brand programs.

Bowden wins their fourth straight state championship 35 31 and Creekside behind a state record setting offense, survives a furious comeback attempt from Benedictine to pull off a 42 39 win in the class 4-A state championships.

So, Dave, as we look ahead, we've got a pretty exciting matchup coming up next.

We've got Blessed Trinity in Milton.

Those are two teams that are very familiar with each other.

Five meetings over the last four years and including one in the state championship, where BT won the state title.

That is coming up next.

But right now we've got North Oconee taking the state championship platform, a group that has worked so hard and they will be recognized as state champions.

And you can see the seniors up there on the stage for North Oconee, and we will send it down to the great John Nelson to reward North Oconee Titans their first state championship.

Thank you very much.

Wiley Ballard.

It is that time to present trophy number 1 day, number 2 here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

But before we do, once again shout out once again to Whitewater fantastic season 13 of 14 down the stretch to get to the last game of the year.

A lot to be proud of there at Whitewater, but to present the trophy, it's going to be something new to Bogart.

We'll get into that in a second.

But to do it, it is the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott, and our friends from Alfa Insurance.

Thank you.

Want to tip my hat to Whitewater?

Great season and North Oconee.

Thank you for your support and bringing it with your young ladies.

And now from Alfa Insurance to present the state championship trophy to North Oconee High School.

The mile wide smile, after all of these years of banging on the door, banging on the door, banging on the door, you finally kicked it in.

Third time's a charm.

How hard was it?

Because everybody's looking at you.

Nationally ranked.

Top ranked in the state.

How much pressure was there that you had to navigate this season?

We didn't really have the pressure from the outside.

It was just pressure we created on ourselves.

But I designed the season and went after teams throughout the season to prepare us for this.

You look at this group of seniors, what does it mean for you with this group of seniors to walk away with them with the state championship?

It's amazing.

I'm so proud of them and everything that they've done for this program for four years.

Some of these girls have been with us since the very beginning, so we're excited.

You know, they wrote their name in history.

They certainly did that.

North Oconee Division three state champs.

Coach O'Mara has the proof.

We'll catch up with our Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game in a second.

Wiley and Dave, it's all yours.

Thanks, Nelly.

And again, those smiles really tell the whole story.

That's what makes this week so much fun to cover and be a part of.

Dave.

And as we put a bow on this Division three state flag football championship, we can take a look back at some highlights we saw throughout the day.

North Oconee they got it started early and they did not stop after getting the stop on defense, they went down and scored on their very first possession and again the size at the wide receiver position.

Dave just overwhelming for the Titans.

Yeah nice job right there 47.

Had a big day.

Touchdown reception interception as well.

Climbs the ladder right there I mean what more could you want from an offense.

Just watching the ball fly.

Going up to catch it all day long.

Super elite quarterback play.

Spreading the ball around the offense.

Not just one receiver.

Every single time.

Changing arm slots, even getting the setter involved a couple times.

Yeah, all four starting wide receivers had touchdowns for North Oconee.

And there's a little bit of suspense when it comes to our Georgia Cotton Commission.

Player of the game will be Catherine Cooper, who threw five touchdown passes to four different receivers.

Or will it be Kallie Mashburn who had an interception for a touchdown and two interceptions?

So again, a lot of great names to choose from.

John Nelson will catch up with that player of the game.

And you know, here's the other thing.

That's a state championship caliber touchdown celebration.

As North Oconee wins their first title.

And I think Coach O'Mara said it best the third time is the charm.

Dave.

Three flag football games in the books.

We got another great one coming up at the top of the hour.

Yeah, exactly.

For the first three games, really exceptional quarterback play.

So for those who are at home watching across the state, across the country, go find your quarterback.

You can just throw it all in the ballpark.

And it's really fun to watch.

And so we're off to a really good start.

Two to go here.

And we got a grudge match coming up.

Blessed Trinity and Milton top of the hour.

But in Division three it is North Oconee.

The Titans win the state championship.

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.

Heads up Georgia.

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Org.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

We're live on GPB for our three day coverage of high school football state championships.

Now today we're in day two.

It's only 11:20 A.M., but we're having a tailgate party, which means we've already crowned a state champion and we're in between matchups.

So let's go ahead and take a look at our Georgia EMC scoreboard from our first match of the day.

And there you have it.

We watched flag Division three title game with Whitewater and North Oconee.

The Titans were unstoppable today and came away with a 31-6 win.

They've been disappointed the past two years in the finals, but this year they got it done and our John Nelson well he's with the player of the game who helped get it done for the Titans.

It's senior quarterback Catherine Cooper.

What a career she's had John and she's going out on top as a champion.

Her senior year.

Very much Nicky.

Now it is time to present our Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game, the Georgia Cotton Commission, the natural choice for Georgia and our natural choice for player of the game.

Who gets the hat and gets the towel?

It's yours.

Congratulations.

So you can wear the hat however much you want.

But we have to make sure that the towel goes over the shoulder.

Let me show the logo there.

By the way, that goes home with you.

You get to hang on to that.

There it is.

Just put it over there you go over the ponytail, over the tie.

You don't do it that way anyway.

All right.

So I was talking to coach up there when you were getting the trophy.

How much pressure did you guys put on yourselves this year?

Knowing the national ranking and all that kind of stuff?

I mean, our team is incredible.

We know where the best athletes in the state.

And so a lot of it was mental pressure of holding ourselves accountable.

So yeah, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves, but we were able to overcome that today.

So that's awesome.

Let me go back to Southeast Bulloch.

What was it like to to go over that hurdle to get to Mercedes-Benz for you guys?

Yeah, I mean, we obviously played them our first state championship and it was a beat down.

I mean, yeah, they're an incredible team and their record shows this.

They've run won four state championships in a row.

And so it was incredible to just beat them.

And yeah overcome that hurdle.

So what was it like here today for you guys especially for the seniors that have been through all of this from the beginning, to be back here to chase after a championship?

It's incredible.

There's four, four, three seniors that started the program here.

And yeah, we were freshmen and our seniors and we won the trophy.

So that's incredible.

It's very sentimental.

Do you get to spend time with that trophy when you go home?

Do you get to like, you know, it's like it spends time in your house when it goes to the other seniors, the other seniors, the other seniors.

How is that.

Going to work?

Oh, no, probably not.

It's a team, team sport team trophy.

Let's go.

Yeah.

What do you think when you mentioned the seniors, what do you think your legacy is going to be for this group of seniors that's been there since the beginning?

What do you think your legacy is going to be?

Hopefully this I mean won a state championship.

That's incredible.

So yeah, that's the that's the legacy I want to leave.

What's it like to see all that support behind you here?

It's awesome.

It's incredible.

And I just love our fans and they're always here.

Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game.

It's coop.

She had a couple of touchdown passes today.

First ever championship in flag heading to North Oconee.

Let's send it back up to gate two.

And Nikki Hodo Palmer.

Absolutely.

Congratulations again to Catherine and the Titans.

They are definitely leaving a legacy.