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

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

I'm Nicki Noto Palmer.

We're live on Georgia Public Broadcasting from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

It is day three of our high school football state championship extravaganza of coverage, if you will.

Now, over the past two days, we've crowned nine state champions and today we're going to be handing over four more trophies.

Here's what you can expect on day three.

Coming up right after this.

We've got Flag Division five at 11:00 A.M.

At 1:00 P.M., we've got the private matchup of Calvary Day versus Hebron at 4:15.

It's our three-a matchup of Jefferson versus Sandy Creek.

And 730 is our nightcap of the 5-A title game.

As Thomas County Central versus Gainesville.

So like I said, it is day three.

It is sadly the last day of our high school football state championship coverage.

So we're going to make it a good one.

No pressure.

Wylie and Dave, you guys are up first to kick this thing off of our flag Division five matchup between Pope and McEachern.

Take it away.

The fifth and final flag football state championship pits a pair of heavyweights, two defending state champions, the McEachern Indians, out of area for the Pope Greyhounds from area three.

One more time.

It's flag football with a trophy on the line, and we welcome you up to our perch alongside our flag football rules expert, our guru, the captain of flag football here in the state of Georgia, Dave Reynolds.

I'm Wylie Ballard and Dave.

We have had such a terrific week of flag football.

State championships already.

Four championship teams.

And the way the sport has grown in this state over the last six years has been so impressive.

Yeah, the first year was sanctioned here in Georgia high school.

You see 91 teams up to 307 now.

Remarkable growth.

But ownership and buy in by the student athletes by the leadership, the coaches, the principals, the ads.

Shout out to the Falcons for helping fund a lot of this growth as well.

And that's exactly where we're at right now.

Exciting time to be around flag football.

And with the growth of teams, there's also been a growth in the quality of play.

And if you weren't with us these last couple of days watching these flag games, let's get a quick refresher on the differences between flag football and tackle football.

Yeah, the field today will be 80 yards long and 40 yards wide.

First downs will be achieved by achieving the zone line to gain, which are fixed lines 20 yards apart.

We will play 410 minute quarters with a running clock until the last 2 minutes of each half.

Under 2 minutes the clock will stop.

Tackle football, incomplete passes and scores and so forth.

Every player is eligible to catch a forward pass.

We've seen the centers involved in the passing game so far this week.

Last one flag football is a non-contact contact sport, so we'll see.

Screen blocking like basketball not initiating contact with your hands.

And with over 300 teams now playing flag football, we've had to add divisions to the sport here in Georgia.

So you've got Pohlman McEachern, who both won the state championship last year, are now going head to head for the division title this year and for Pope, they've won back to back state championships in Lily Joswick has been a key player for them now a senior.

She's one of the reasons they're here in the state finals.

With that huge breakup in overtime in the semis.

Yeah, absolutely.

Big time play here.

Big time target.

Especially the short distance game.

Her shifty hips that makes teams pay.

If you miss the flag pole not the most impressive stats you've ever seen, but the leadership role this senior plays is critical.

Pope's defense has only given up two scores only twice this year.

If the Greyhounds finish on top will be need to be a big leader and a big impact player across the field today.

Now McEachern has a game breaking offense, and to perform it, they use two quarterbacks, two Ava George.

In fact, let's start with the junior Ava George.

The junior takes over.

Played JV last year.

You know the Miss Georgia flag football graduates last year.

This year's passer right there.

Over 4,000 yards.

Way to step up and fill the big time shoes there by the junior in the pocket.

The other Ava Ava Couzens.

She's both a weapon in the wide receiver in the wide receiver role.

But also she'll take some snaps.

Yeah.

Stand out.

Since she's walked on campus and only gotten better from the running back position to the wide receiver position.

We'll throw the ball a little bit.

Up to 16 touchdowns this year.

But more importantly, defense wins championships, 12 interceptions from the safety position, incredible spatial awareness.

If the Indians continue their dominance, expect Ava Couzens to be all over the field today.

So that's a look at the quarterback duo for McEachern.

For more information on Pope's developing quarterback situation, let's send it down to the great John Nelson.

One and only Nelly on the sideline.

Good morning Wylie.

Morning, Dave.

Good morning.

However you're accessing us here on day three of the championships.

Large device or small GPB GPB.

Org or the GPB sports app.

One of the continuing story lines we're going to be keeping an eye on today is the overall health of Abby Bensman.

Feeling a little under the weather today traveled independently from the team down to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Showed up here about 45 minutes ago, went through warmups fairly normally, was hitting all of our targets, but we'll continue to see how the day affects her as she goes.

I'm expecting a lot of hydration.

We're Abby Bensman is concerned now when you talk about these two head coaches, when you're starting off with Kevin Frazier at Pope and you have Jake Burgdorf at McEachern, these two guys, they started talking as far back as June when the new areas came out, when the new when the new fifth Division came out, they were looking at the brackets and they were sitting there looking at each other going, yeah, it kind of looks like we might be facing each other in the last game of the year in Division five, and they were absolutely correct.

You have two top 20 teams here nationally.

We'll see what happens here as our fifth and final championship in flag football is determined for 2025.

Let's send it upstairs to light the day.

Three candle Wylie Ballard and Dave Reynolds take it away.

Thank you Nelly.

You saw Kevin Frazier.

Here is Jake Burgdorf in his fourth season at that record.

Just jumps off the page.

And Dave, when you look at McEachern this year, they're coming off a 28-0 season.

They had a 39 game win streak snapped earlier this year, and they had a big position to replace Chelsea and Joku one of the best quarterbacks in the state.

I know you touched on it moments ago, but as McEachern will take the ball first, it's pretty impressive to get back here.

Losing such a critical piece.

Yeah, exactly.

And again, you got buy in by the student athletes.

Definitely have a phenomenal coach on both these sidelines.

But especially McEachern starts the the the coaches coaches clinic across the state of Georgia to continue to grow the the coaching tree across the state of Georgia.

So here we go.

The Division five flag football state championship McEachern and Pope each looking to defend their title, but only one will walk out of here today with a state championship trophy.

And we begin first and six ball on the 14 yard line.

And the first pass is complete.

Reeled in by essence Hubbard making the catch and a big gain for a first down.

Nice job just getting the ball out right away to the playmaker in space.

First year right there playing flag football for the senior.

Finds the space athlete getting the hips, switching up the field.

Maybe takes a little nerves off the first time.

Quarterback here.

Yeah.

Ava George more of a pocket passer in her role.

Steps up and she'll be brought down behind the line.

Quick pull for Pope making the play that time.

Lauren Ebersole.

Here's a look at McEachern offensive starters.

Saw essence Hubbard already with the catch.

How about Jaylen Hull getting the start today.

She earned that opportunity as a senior.

They'll work in a lot of different receivers over the course of this game.

But Jaylen Hull, it was a intentional choice by Coach Burgdorf to make sure she got the start here in the state championship at Mercedes-Benz, and she's getting more than a start.

How about a catch?

That flag is still attached and she crosses midfield for the line.

The zone to gain before Meryl Palazzo pulls her flag.

Just showing the arm strength off.

Getting the ball out, getting the ball upfield.

A little soft coverage there.

Got to pull the flag the first time.

The ball carrier right there.

You got to keep playing right through the first little bit of contact.

And Miss Poole nice job spreading the ball left and right to the boundary in the first couple of plays.

So far, no trouble for McEachern moving the ball down the field on this Pope defense.

First down in 18.

For the pass outside incomplete.

Looking for Hull against.

And here's a look at Pope's defensive starters.

And the linebacking corps.

Meryl Palazzo who doesn't miss flags one of their best pullers.

And then up front you've got Syra Patel and Lauren Ebersole.

And we talked about Lily Joswick.

Elizabeth Kelly Kelly just a sophomore, but she's in her second year as a starter.

So second down and 18.

George floats it to the right side this time.

Catch made by Hubbard flag pulled instantly.

Again, just catch the ball, get rid of it.

Displaying the arm strength.

Nice job right there.

Pulling the flag the first time by Joswick.

And on third down and 11 here McEachern.

We have noticed here in this first drive.

They have no problem melting the play clock down to the very bottom.

Time of possession.

Not the most important thing in flag football, but again, if I had the football, you can't score.

And that time Georgia overshoots.

Micaela Butler the freshman.

And now fourth down and 11.

Dave, you're in your opponent's territory and a touchback would get it back out to the 14.

So there's only what 15 yards of field position or so to be gained if you do punt.

Best case scenario.

Or if in the event of a touchback.

Little surprised there to take the shot on third down at this position.

My opinion is going to be a fourth fourth down situation.

Try to chop that in half a little bit, but again, when you have the wide receiver corps, the athletes on McEachern offense, they do.

The playbook still remains the playbook.

So McEachern will elect to play.

And now a flag is thrown.

Delay of game offense.

Five-Yard.

Penalty.

Remains fourth down.

We talk about that play clock.

That's where referee as well.

Britton Lyon out of the Southern Eagle.

Referee Association.

And so now making it fourth and 16.

Offense will punt.

As you heard from Britton Lyon.

The offense has elected to punt for McEachern.

So Pope will take over here.

There are no fakes.

You must declare your intentions and on to punt it away.

Essence Hubbard.

And taken at the 15 yard line.

And the flag pulled away.

Lily Joswick with it.

And now Pope will take over on offense.

And as John Nelson reported, Abby Bensman not at full strength under the weather.

Her numbers this year over 3,000 yards and maybe trying to channel a little bit of that Michael Jordan other the weather game.

I like it, I like it.

She's got the Carolina blue on.

So taking over.

First and one on the 19 yard line and a little chess pass completed from Benjamin up to Kalman.

And she's near midfield.

They'll say she gained two zones that time.

So a 22 yard gain on a little chess pass.

So you saw the pocket pass over McEachern on their first drive right there.

Completely different style of offense for this first play right here.

Pitch and catch.

Flag football 101.

Shifting the hips again by Kalman a couple extra yards.

I beg your pardon.

That's actually a gain of 15.

So it's first and five.

Here's a look at Pope's starting offense beyond Bensman.

We talked about Lily Joswick Kate Davenport involved at the center position.

We've already seen Kourtney Kalman bring one in Elizabeth Kelly.

She's their go to possession receiver, especially on a third down play.

So second down and one coach, Kevin Frazier.

And Bensman motions out.

She'll take the pitch, gives it right back to Kalman.

There's a first down.

And that's a great example of quality tackle football offense.

A look at the McEachern defense.

Now.

Noni Frazier and Saniyah Dickens the rushers Ah'Lier McBeth at linebacker.

And there's a look at the secondary Ava Couzens with 12 interceptions.

Complete no fly zone on the back end of the defense.

So first down and 16.

Chess pass.

That time comes from Kalman.

And then the pitch right back through Davenport ends up with Bensman.

Pope again they are not the deep threat they were a year ago.

They rely a little more heavily on the pitch game.

We're seeing it right here.

So far this drive.

Definitely just a pitch and catch relationships.

Was the ball out before the flag was pulled?

We don't have video review for girls flag football, so I like the passion.

By Kate Davenport.

Just finding the open space there.

She knows she has some teammates coming to pitch trying to extend that play.

Second down and ten.

It's Kalman.

She'll underhand flip it and the first touch for Claire Huebecker today didn't have much room to operate.

Just like in tackle football, your flag football pitch and catch option style offense, but a lot of pressure on the defense.

Do your job, your responsibility.

If the rusher has the quarterback, the linebacker has to have the first pitch.

Backside linebacker has to have the center makes your defense be very disciplined in their responsibilities.

Third down and seven.

You would think you're in four down territory here in plus territory.

Bensman with time zips it complete and that time Davenport cannot complete the pitch, but it will set up a manageable fourth down.

Nice job just showing the screen block first from the center position and then releasing out a little release.

Valve cuts that distance in half like you just talked about.

Coach Fraser probably thinking it's four down territory where that third down play started.

So smart play to pick up a couple yards.

Makes his fourth down play more manageable.

And for a first year starter, how about those quick hands for Aubri Smith getting that flag instantly.

As soon as Davenport caught it.

So fourth down and three.

And now under a minute to play here in the first quarter, Pope wants a time-out.

Pope their first of the half.

Well Pope, they want an absolute thriller in the semifinals in double overtime taking down Lambert who lost to McEachern in the state finals last year.

That had to be one of the best games of the season across the sport.

Dave.

Yeah, phenomenal game right there.

Too bad we weren't there to cover that one.

That's a massive ball game there.

You know, the way that the divisions have have developed and the growth of the sport.

You mentioned the opening here.

We have two defending state champions together in the same game Lambert right there.

In the semifinals matching up against Pope okay.

Just read it.

We're not handing out cupcakes today around here.

Wylie.

Yeah we're going.

And if they were I know I'd be first in.

Line.

So fourth down and three.

See the two cones on the field?

The orange cone is the offensive line of scrimmage.

The yellow lime cone is the neutral zone.

That's where the defense can line up.

Pope's got to make it across that painted 30 yard line to extend the drive and give it to Kalman, who reaches I don't know.

She didn't get it.

It's going to be McEachern football.

That is a tough play to defend in close quarters.

Great Poole from McEachern.

You describe the offensive line of scrimmage and the defensive line of scrimmage.

Short down and distance.

Definitely an advantage to the offense.

Nice job getting 32 defenders right there and ripping that flag off.

First opportunity.

Nice job getting off the field for the Indian defense.

And Saniyah Dickens.

She was the one who pulled the flag before the line to gain deep pass in and out of the hands of essence.

Hubbard.

And with 10 seconds remaining, this very well could bring us to the end of the first quarter.

And it looks like that is exactly what's going to happen.

So much like yesterday's Division four game between Milton and Blessed Trinity, we are scoreless after 10 minutes.

McEachern back on offense when we return.

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Welcome back to Mercedes Benz.

Getting ready for the second quarter.

And this is something that honestly, I don't think I've ever seen in flag football.

Jake Burgdorf the first one to do it.

Take a look.

They've gone high tech to take a look at plays.

They've broken out the huddle catalog.

You can go itemized with your clips.

So what we see in tackle football we are now seeing in flag first conversation with Jake Burgdorf and Ava George.

We'll see about the adjustments here.

Start of the second quarter.

We'll send it upstairs.

Neely.

They trusted you to hold that thing.

They actually did.

They did trust me with it.

As long as I told Jake I wasn't going to hit a play button.

Fair enough.

Good job, Nelly.

And what that shows right there.

Phenomenal camera work there too.

But what that shows right there is just the buy in by the school.

Okay.

You have the athletic directors going to flag, football coaches saying, what do you need?

Right.

You might have a tackle football coach asking them, what do you need?

Yesterday we had an offensive coordinator from Bogart driving the bus to the for the band to get here yesterday.

The whole buy in the growth of sport phenomenal.

I think Aubri Smith Dunn there might have enjoyed seeing herself on the video board doing a few poses.

That's what all this is about.

This is one of the reasons this is such a great experience.

It's a big screen.

Yes, it is.

So start of the second quarter still Georgia quarterback.

Pass is incomplete.

She was able to get it away.

So second drive here for both teams.

You'll see how we make some adjustments defensively.

Gave up some yards.

Both teams first drive but got off the field.

See who wins the second drive.

Matchups.

Third down and 19.

Now for McEachern.

They've got to get to midfield.

I do feel like this wide receiver corps is the best they have had in their program's history.

And a deep shot going for it.

That was almost tipped right into the hands of Essence Hubbard.

But the breakup for Lily Joswick.

Joswick already has nine interceptions on the year.

Not enough juice to get it right over her fingertips.

Lucky that tip pass didn't go back into the offense.

Jj Stowers hands.

So McEachern will punt.

Cannot rush the punt.

As you can see, and fielded cleanly just inside Greyhounds territory.

Brought up by Meryl Palazzo.

And let's see where it will be spotted just across midfield.

And you know that's something that is more important than you see in tackle football with these zones to gain instead of just a first and ten.

If you get the ball spotted just into the next zone, it's going to be a long down and distance.

And it's not uncommon to see a ballcarrier running towards the line to gain.

And they're about to get the flag.

Poole so they'll stopped short of the line to gain.

Trying to create that third and one, a second and one compared to the first and 20.

I mean, for instance, you know, if Palazzo is 2 yards further back than it's first and one.

Exactly playbook is a little more open.

You've got more plays to gain those yards.

But as it is first and 19 Bensman zips it over the top and it's broken up.

Gabriella Soris three year starter and the team's defensive player of the year last year.

And nice job on the backside.

Staying home.

Responsibility to knock that pass down.

Definitely.

Again, talking about the open center.

Going to get the pass thrown them all day long.

Davenport nine touchdowns on the year already.

Barnes pass is complete to Davenport.

Hurt flag pulled by Smith.

But you're talking about Cade Davenport coach Kevin Frazier said he thinks she might be the most underrated athlete in Pope High School history.

Well, it's on full display right now.

Okay, we're going to stream block one time.

We'll turn around for the the the quick direct and pitch.

Twice we've seen.

I'm going to show screen block and then go to the flats for an outlet.

Very versatile.

Again comparing tackle and flag football together.

They're not the same.

Right.

Your center is heavily involved in the offense.

And she may not have speed, but she's got great hands and a great pulse.

On where how to find the opening in the defense.

Bensman steps up to ball.

Intercepted.

McEachern comes the other way and it is fumbled.

The ball is dead as soon as it touches the ground, but Gabriella Soris her eighth pick of the year and McEachern takes over.

Finds time here to get the ball down.

Tip ball.

A lot of bodies in there trying to force that pass in there.

Right place, right time for the tipped interception.

Again when the ball hits the ground on fumbles, the play is over.

So that's why as soon as the ball hit the ground, nobody started to go after it.

And she just got across that zone to gain.

So at the 20 on this 80 yard field and that's through the hands of Ava Couzens.

Well it feels like what we've seen so far I mean aside from the first and sixth that began the game, each team has taken over in less than ideal down and distance.

Yeah, exactly.

It changes your offense.

Now, obviously, for McEachern.

Who who likes to throw the ball all over the ballpark.

Still wide open.

And that pass complete this time.

First touch for Desiree Holiday, the senior.

Again when a second and 19 changes your defense a little more.

Right.

Just keep will give him the under route will take the the short route.

Just pull the flag right there to high level like you saw on that previous play.

And they want to get Desiree Holiday more involved here.

I mean, Coach Burgdorf compared her to Megatron over 1,000 yards receiving this year.

She's a matchup nightmare.

And feeding Hubbard again.

And she can't high point the ball.

So fourth and 13 and this is likely going to put McEachern in a kick situation.

Yeah.

Even if that pass was completed which is still a high probability pass for this offense.

Defense had it right there.

Pulled the flag kind of.

She's coming down anyway.

So it would have been fourth down and short and probably a punt on their side of the field.

But Gailey punt from here.

, Hubbard punts, low spiral played cleanly.

And now the pitch back to Joswick.

And then her flag is pulled as she tumbles forward.

Good poise that time from Ellen Nixon, who was able to flip it back again.

You know, maybe last night we let that punt roll out of bounds, right?

But here there's no there's no reason to roll out of bounds.

Let's just keep getting the ball to the field.

Pick up an extra 5 yards for the offense.

Very physical.

There on the attempted flag.

Pull in the incidental feet tangling.

But nice job of taking that punt and getting an extra 5 yards.

Start.

The offensive drive.

A little friendlier.

Field position first and nine and now a fake.

Reversed.

It sticks with Joswick and she is close to midfield.

It'll be second and short.

Under 4 minutes to play here in the first half.

Kind of showing the speed here by the track star going wide, putting the foot in the ground, getting upfield.

Elias Summers on that last pull for McEachern.

Second and two.

Bensman tries to dump it off to Kalman.

Incomplete.

And they will say she got it away.

That's a critical call.

That's a tough call for officials when you're trying to determine was the quarterback's flag pulled or did she get rid of the ball first?

Yeah, exactly.

Again, is that a pass fumble that we see in tackle football?

Very challenging by the white hat.

Same opportunity here for the white hat and flag football.

If the flag is pulled prior to the ball being released.

Very challenging.

A lot of moving pieces in there.

Definitely changed the play call.

Right.

Third and two versus third and 12.

Change the play call offensively.

Hardy going back to the little short pitch and catch here from coach Frazier.

The snap goes to Bensman.

She sends it across midfield.

Incomplete for the first down on the catch.

I beg your pardon.

That's Claire Huebecker in the backfield.

Short down and distance.

Just play pitch and catch.

It's a high probability offense when you're when you're spreading the ball around clicking on all cylinders.

First and 14.

Now for Pope as they are into McEachern territory for the second time today.

And now a lot of pre-snap motion.

Oh my.

Everyone's got to get set.

Over the middle.

Complete to Kalman and quick hands from Saniyah Dickens.

That was an important pull.

We have hit the two minute warning now, so.

Nice job holding the flag the first time right there.

Because if it don't, we got one more pitch set up right there to the boundary for a bigger offensive pickup.

But nice job swallowing that play up before it got started.

So the final 2 minutes it'll be tackle football timing Rauls you go out of bounds and incomplete pass.

The clock will stop.

So plenty of time for Pope to move down the field here.

Second and eight.

The ten yard line is the goal line on this field here at Ms.. Kalman keeps it.

Now the pitch.

And it's in and out of the hands of Claire Huebecker.

Trying that misdirection one more time.

Trying to slow down the Indian defense just runs out of real estate.

Got to make that first defender commit plays right through it.

Nice job.

And wherever the ball falls that is where the new line of scrimmage is.

So a backward pass you're going to lose some of those yardage if it's not completed.

Third and seven Davenport can't make the catch.

And that'll bring up fourth down in seven.

The clock will stop on the incompletion.

So there's no question for Coach Kevin Frazier that they're going to go for it.

That's flag football 101.

When you're this deep into the opponent's territory, the play call is obviously what's going to be up for debate.

And looks like Coach Frazier wants a time-out.

High probability play right there.

Going right back.

Davenport.

A rare drop for her.

For McEachern undefeated last year.

Here's a look at the road to the finals this season.

And the defense has been suffocating for the Indians.

They haven't a lot of point in this playoff run.

I don't care who you play a zero on the right side on points allowed.

Phenomenal, phenomenal.

But again, the schedule that coach played all year long again built this team have half the starters coming back from last year.

And coach will have another challenging schedule.

Harris County Blessed Trinity Hill Grove North Oconee on the regular season schedule.

Just built the the postseason run.

How many teams did they play this year that were playing this week in the state championships?

Correct.

Again, upper level coaches understand their talent on their team.

They understand playing a tough regular season schedule builds that team win or lose experience for the postseason.

So minute 18 on the clock, fourth and seven for Pope trying to get to that final zone before paydirt.

Bensman takes a deep shot and she overthrows Talley Schuver incomplete.

McEachern gets another stop in their own side of the field.

Ben, don't break, bend, don't break.

Nice job right there.

Number 2.

Benjamin finally gets her foot in the ground.

You can see a little bit of arm strength there.

Just a little.

Maybe too much on that particular pass.

So first and 13 a minute and 14 seconds with three time-outs for this McEachern offense.

That is an eternity.

Wide open playbook, wide open.

Schuver snaps.

Omari George on the snap and George with the catch and tries to flip it back to Cayley Windham.

The flag is pulled.

So second down in eight.

Now after a five yard gain.

Under a minute to play here in the first half.

George sends it deep and beyond the reach of essence.

Hubbard.

Oh.

And now we got a flag coming here.

Oh, my.

Where she was when she threw that flag.

When she threw that ball, that drew that flag.

Let's see here.

Illegal forward pass offense.

Five yard penalty from the spot of the foul.

Loss of down.

Third down.

Yeah I like her extending the play here one on one on the rush matchup up front I still downfield kind of loses that line of scrimmage.

Has to throw that pass behind the line of scrimmage.

Backs up a couple yards.

You still lose it down I haven't seen one of those this week yet.

So third down and 12 George over the middle.

And for a first down it's Amari George.

One twin sister to the other.

Again, nice job just even throwing the ball to bounds.

Read a lot because you have the arm strength and the wide receivers and oh wait a minute.

You also have the center who can catch a forward pass.

Nice job accepting the role.

Just finding the open space.

So a little bit of speed right there to pick up that next zone line to gain.

So a couple of twins teaming up for that first down for McEachern as they call their first time out.

39 seconds left.

This is, I believe the first time, Dave, that McEachern has gotten across midfield, right?

Yeah, I do believe so.

Again, for Pope.

Just keep everything in front, pull the flag the first time for McEachern.

Just keep doing what you're doing.

Kind of keep moving the ball down this field on this drive.

First down and 18.

Still too much.

Two time-outs left for coach Burgdorf and McEachern.

Play clock inside of 5 seconds.

Ava George sends it to the sideline.

It's complete and away goes Jaylen.

Hall and she is in for six.

Touchdown!

McEachern.

You're talking about earning a starting position.

Catches a pass.

Keep playing right through the Mills flag.

Poole shows the speed, shows the excitement and gets the McEachern Indians in the end zone.

And now the point after try after Jaylen Hull sixth touchdown of her senior year.

Ava George making sure her teammates on the same page.

George thinking about it now, she'll reach spin.

Is she in?

No.

They got her stopped short inside the one.

But McEachern breaks through first.

Just showing the arm strength right there.

Catch the ball.

Get it out real quick.

Just got to pull flags at the first opportunity.

When you don't, we're here.

They're.

And gone.

And so now with 30s left Pope who will get the ball to begin the second half.

They've got one time-out and they will opt to take it into the locker room.

So Ava George 38 yard touchdown pass to Jaedalyn Hull.

And that's going to be the difference in this one.

In the first half.

And it's all it takes.

Sometimes in flag football you can play a phenomenal 18 19 minutes of a half.

You miss one flag.

Now you got to recollect.

McEachern looking to repeat Pope one each of the last two state championships at their level.

Still a long way to go in this one.

Not your fault.

But McEachern has a 6-0 lead.

You can see Elizabeth Kelly a little torn up about missing that flag pole, but still two more quarters to play here.

And let's go down to John Nelson on the sideline.

He's joined by Coach Burgdorf.

Thank you very much.

Wylie Ballard.

What did you think of that first half?

I know it was back and forth and some frustrating moments offensively for you, but you do get the late score.

Yeah we we didn't flip the field until that last drive right there.

And that's putting our defense in a bad spot offensively.

We've got to we got to throw one catch better.

We had too many drops in that first half.

Too many mishaps missed throws.

We're going to settle in in the second half.

We're going to be fine.

But we got to give our defense a better chance and not give Pope a short field.

Thanks for your time.

Thanks.

Coach Burgdorf.

He's got the lead, got a lot to work on from that soundbite.

Coming back to GPB coverage of the high school football championship.

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And welcome in to our GPB halftime show.

We're live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium for day three of our state championship football coverage.

I'm Nicki Noto, Palmer.

Let's go ahead and get you filled in from our first matchup of the day.

It's halftime of McEachern and Pope.

Thanks to our friends over at Georgia EMC for our scoreboard.

The score right now McEachern Indians.

Well, they're leading six to nothing.

McEachern crossed midfield for the first time with 30s left on the clock, and then we saw a 38 yard touchdown pass to senior Jaylen Hull.

Indians were able to jump out first.

They're leading at the half six to nothing.

Well, from our Georgia EMC scoreboard to our Georgia EMC awards, John Nelson has more with this year's winners.

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

Side E!

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.

And congratulations to all of our winners.

Well, thanks to our friends over at Usave Pharmacy, we've had the awesome opportunity to showcase so many incredible student athletes.

Jasmine Walton, she is our Usave Pharmacy Spotlight Player of the year.

She is a senior cheerleader from Mary Persons High School, and now she faced adversity early on in her life.

However, she's using that struggle for her strength.

Check it out.

She lost her father when she was nine, her mother when she was 11.

In tenth grade, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes.

She fought through with perseverance and just a strength of character that is not typical for a 16-year-old student.

Being a good cheerleader is a lot more than having a pretty face and good motions, and being able to stunt.

It's in our name to be a leader, and she's just a great role model for all of those around her.

She's always trying to help whoever she can help.

I have every reason to be sad, but I choose to be happy.

And welcome back in to our GPB halftime show.

Now it's halftime right now of the girls flag Division five matchup between McEachern and Pope.

But coming up next, we have an awesome matchup in the private division between Hebron and Calvary Day.

And thanks to our friends over at Georgia Access, we get to bring in incredible guests all week long.

And right now we have the principal from Hebron and Dr.

James Taylor.

Dr.

Taylor, thank you so much for joining us.

My first question right out of the gate, though, did all the students get a pass to come to the bins today?

We closed the school today at 11 so they could all be here.

Absolutely.

This is important, right.

So you have to you have to do those things.

This is important.

Okay.

So he they're the defending state champion.

Can you talk to me a little bit about your football team and the excitement that it's brought to the school?

It's been remarkable because this year we actually changed head coaches.

So so our previous coach moved on to a to a little bit a little bit further north.

We've had Kenny Dallas come through.

He has been absolutely amazing.

So just stepped in and really, really took a team that was already unified and just gave them the necessary challenges, what they needed to really reach higher levels.

And they have been phenomenal.

Yeah.

Coach Dallas he has such a legacy in the state of Georgia.

What else is going on over at Hebron?

We know that the football team is here, that they're doing great things, but what other things are going on at your school?

So probably the biggest thing that we're really excited about is we started a special needs school called Lions Learning Academy two years ago.

This year.

We have 43 kids in the program.

We're so excited about what that is.

We've purchased 13 acres.

We're planning on a much larger school, 200 to 250 kids K through 12, pretty serious special needs.

Let me just tell you, any bad day that I'm having, that's where I go.

I go over to that school, and it's just remarkable.

It softens anyone's heart.

Absolutely.

How how do the other students in the school get involved with that program?

It has changed the culture of our school.

It's fascinating.

We've got about 1,400 kids on our main campus.

Those 1,400 kids have all been impacted by those 40 kids.

We have a program called Lions Pals, which is where we we select 17 seniors who then step in and work with our kids at Lions Learning Academy.

Last year we had 17 kids, 15 of those seniors changed their majors in college to something that would feed into a program similar to that.

That's how much it really transitioned and changed their hearts.

That's amazing.

Thank you so much for sharing that.

It sounds like you have an incredible culture going on over at Hebron Christian.

We wish good luck to your football team and good luck for all things to come at your school.

Doing a great job.

Appreciate it.

Thanks so much.

On the other side of this break, we've got more football coming up.

Wylie and Dave, you guys are up next.

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.

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Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures GPB sports.

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

Rocco.

What.?

Come on.

Oh come on.

Oh, what a bad call.

Swindell.

You have no business being out there.

Terrible.

You know, I'm a person too.

When this matchup was locked in eight days ago, there was so much anticipation.

And through the first two quarters, Dean, McEachern and Pope, the two defending state champions, have delivered Indians with a 6-0 lead.

He's Dave Reynolds on Wylie Ballard and Dave, what we saw there in the first half was two championship caliber teams going at it defensively especially, and the difference is the one explosive play.

Yeah, exactly.

They've watched film on each other.

They know who they are.

We've seen a lot of good arm strength by the McEachern quarterback to the boundary pitch and catch by the Pope offense doing what got them here.

Not a whole lot of deep balls being caught.

A couple of them being tipped.

And then we see the the flagpole there for the one score.

Longest play of the game so far.

38 yard touchdown pass from Ava George to Jaedalyn Hull.

And again John Nelson on the sidelines.

He's joined by Keefer.

Wow.

Wylie just dropped a k Frazier here.

Oh, here we go.

All right.

A lot of work, shopping, going on, a lot of conversation with coaches and players and just understanding where the other side is coming from.

Yeah, tough way to end the half.

I thought we played near perfect defensively until that last play.

A couple miscommunications on offense, which is the coach's fault.

But you know, we've been down there time and time again here.

Had the field position, position battle won.

Hopefully we can just rebound from that.

That tough ending as we have all year and just keep keep battling.

I was going to say, you know, any adjustments, anything that you're pulling out of the hip pocket.

What were the conversations like about getting into the end zone and not just getting close?

Yeah, I mean, Jake's a great coach.

He's throwing a new defense at us that we didn't really expect.

So we're just going to have to kind of adjust what we're doing a little bit, which is what our conversation was seeing where the holes are.

And just try to make some plays here in the second half and try to win this one.

We'll see.

Looking forward to it.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Jayden Kelly.

So let's take it up to w Bell and D Reynolds or something like that.

Some other guy.

I'm trying.

Look.

I'm trying.

It's d r and Wylie or something like that.

How about that?

Hey, I'll say this, Kevin Frazier.

You know, he he raised me on that one.

Jayden.

Kelly Love that great work.

Head coach Kevin Frazier for Pope.

And here's a look at how McEachern spent their halftime getting fired up.

The energy, confidence.

And how about that adjustment for Coach Burgdorf changing up the defense these teams haven't met this year, of course, but they have met frequently in the Summers at some quirky Kelly events.

And as John Nelson pointed out at the top of our show, both Kevin Frazier and Drake Burgdorf, after they met in July, looked across each other, said, I got a feeling we might see each other in December 17th.

Yeah, both these coaches are high level coaches who like to talk about strategies and learn from each other.

Here's your stats for the first half.

You take away the 38 yard touchdown pass to end the half to a little more balanced.

Surprised by the the lack of offensive production by Pope so far.

But again, that's Coach Frazier's responsibility to make some adjustments and find a way in the second half.

Yeah, I mean, before that last play, they were nearly identical in yards offensively.

So here we go.

Pope will take over on their own 14.

It's first and six.

We'll see if they can adjust to that new defense they faced in the first couple of quarters.

Abby Bensman in at quarterback playing under the weather.

That pass is completed.

But McEachern all over it.

Pull that time from the Indians that was Saniyah Dickens.

And the catch made by Talley Schuver.

There's a look at Bensman numbers in that first half.

Seven for 11 54 yards.

They have not been able to hit a deep shot.

And like we said, doing this under the weather here today, but fighting through, feeling well less than 100%.

Bensman looking deep.

She'll dump it off incomplete.

So right out of the half, Pope facing an important third and six.

Catch, adds to the frustration on offense for the Greyhounds different style play their role the pocket a little bit, trying to extend it.

Nothing downfield.

Tries to check down route.

Still could not connect.

Gotta gets the Payne at 30 Bensman pass hung on to by Kate Davenport.

They call her Old reliable and she took a hard fall.

But with those firm hands.

Pitch and catch extends the play.

Just high points.

It goes right over her defender.

Nominal effort.

Two hands over the ground.

There's no question.

If this is a completed pass, no, she's going to go to the ground.

Just takes the fall.

She knows she's going to have to catch the ball for her team.

Picks up a critical first down.

Now Isabel Trafton has come in to snap for Davenport.

The freshman that pass falls incomplete.

Looking for Schuver and now looks like Kate Davenport will come back in.

I'd imagine the fall that she took did not not feel that good.

So give her a breather.

Get right back out there and imagine it's not going to take too much more time off the clock before she gets another pass thrown to her.

Yeah, so far on the day that's now four catches for Davenport.

And that could look back and say that was a massive play for Pope.

And just beyond the hands of Claire Huebecker.

Good job.

Saniyah Dickens protecting that backside.

With all the movement and the motion and the pitching again, that everybody has to do their job, can't fall asleep.

You can't get lazy with your eyes.

Nice job contesting that backside route.

I don't want to say I'm a lip reading expert, but I think we might see Lily Joswick Elizabeth Kelly go deep here.

Bensman dumps it off.

The pass is complete to Kalman.

She's got to get to midfield and her flag pulled by Ah'Lier Maybeth sets up fourth and five.

And if you are Pope, do you consider going for it?

Probably going to punt here.

A nice job again.

Try to go down the field.

Nothing there.

Your blocker turns around.

Nice discipline there.

By Kalman.

Picks up a good chunk of yards, but not enough for the offense.

Stay on the field.

Now from the field position battle which as we heard with Coach Kevin Frazier in his conversation with John Nelson, something they felt like they won there in the first half.

That was a big ten yard gain.

Give yourself a chance to the punt coming from Talley Schuver.

It's a bomb.

Wow.

Fielded inside the 15 yard line evading tacklers, cousins and finally that flag is pulled and you can see cousins saying man I thought I squeezed through there.

Pretty nice kick there.

About 35 yards in the air trying to flip the field.

But then just don't kick it at number 3 because she's going to make people miss.

I can't count that high.

My shoes are on.

Nice job of making the defender miss to pick up more yards.

I appreciate you keeping your shoes on, Dave.

That's.

I really appreciate that.

That's good for me.

First and 14.

And what a pitch.

Here's Jaylen Hull again near first down yardage.

And they'll give it to her all the way out to the 40.

Beg your pardon.

36.

And what a game for Jaylen Hull so far.

And we talked about the pitch relationships.

From the Pope offense.

Oh, hey, you know what?

McEachern can do it, too.

Nice job getting the ball to several different people to get it out on the edge and pick up that first down, get across midfield for the Indian offense.

So first and 16.

And now the Indians are going to stack receivers near both sidelines.

You may be halfway through the third quarter.

But Dave I mean this this clock is going to dwindle quickly.

A pitch back complete to cousins shakes through one defender before her flag is pulled by Ella Nixon.

To your point, they're halfway through the third quarter.

Probably thinking there's nothing but time right here.

If you're the if you're the Pope defense got to get off the field.

Got to get off the field.

If you're the if you're on offense right here, just take care of the football.

Just take care of the football.

Play pitch and catch.

When you think you're tied up by the defense, be looking for your outlet.

Just keep chugging along.

Second and 11.

Pass is complete to Desiree Holliday.

And that pass was from Ava Couzens.

So getting a chance to see her in at quarterback here for that one pass.

Louissaint Ava George most of the day.

We've talked a lot about quarterback play.

These five state championships.

When you got two of them, good luck trying to slow them down on offense.

And Ava George will pitch to cousins.

What a snag.

One handed.

Just showing off the athleticism by Haven cousins.

That reminds me of putting my hand in the cookie jar.

She just reaches out there and says I'll take that.

Football gets up, chops down in distance, down in half for a much more manageable fourth down.

Coming out of that jar with more than just one cookie, though, she just had one football.

I got little hand.

I'm going one cookie at a time.

Okay.

Fair enough.

Fourth and three McEachern going for it.

It's caught.

And then on the ground the pass is ruled incomplete.

But we do have a flag coming.

So this is incomplete.

I wonder when the contact took place.

Interesting call here on fourth down from the officiating staff.

But has the person you want.

Oh.

What do you see here, Dave?

The ruling on the field is an incomplete pass.

During the play, illegal contact defense 10 yards from the previous spot results in a first down.

We talked about it already this week.

The runner with possession of the football.

You cannot knock the ball out of her hands.

So I'm assuming the rule on the field was that bat that we saw was she had not completed the catch yet.

And then the physicality of the contact drew the flag.

As we're finishing the play.

Well, taking a two score lead in the second half would be massive for McEachern as they have first and goal from the 13 trying to weave up the middle.

That's a solid gain there on first down for Micaela Butler, a freshman who's been arguably McEachern best receiver this year.

During the run, holding defense half the distance to the goal.

Replay first down.

Wow.

So Britton kissed the the back to back announcements there.

Shout out to this officiating crew.

From Statesboro, Georgia.

You know, they play really good flag football down there.

Also have a phenomenal officiating staff down there through the Georgia Southern University Recreation Center.

Got a couple people on this on this crew, including right there, Stephanie.

She works at the RAC.

So does Britton.

Also have a student at Georgia Southern out here?

The field judge.

Dawson.

Sanders.

He's going to officiate a national championship.

And on first and goal, just short.

Good pull from Syra Patel.

But that's a big pickup.

2 yards.

Second and goal from the one.

Dave, this is just a really tough position for the defense.

Gotta find a way here.

It's going to be tough like you just talked about.

Again offensively advantage to you when you're down here.

No playbooks shortened up in a small space.

But right here bunched up you see the neutral zone 2 yards apart.

Advantage offense.

And coach Burgdorf instructing McEachern to wait a moment, see if he can kill a little more clock.

We're told Kevin Frazier told the officials, popes head coach, to watch for the tush push here.

The flag is pulled, but touchdown McEachern.

Micaela Butler.

The freshman gets in.

It's 12-0 So?

So we talk about all those bodies in the middle of the field.

It's about as close as it can get.

Above the flag being pulled and where the ball is located at that same time.

It was either going to be a touchdown or third and goal from the half foot line.

It's the quarter has ended.

McEachern still has to do their point after try.

It's Ava Couzens back there.

Quarterback.

Sure.

All right.

Pitches it inside complete to Jaylen.

Hull.

She has had herself a day here.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

And we will go to the fourth quarter.

McEachern 10 minutes away from their second straight state championship game.

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

This high school gym used to be packed most nights.

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You see, without officials.

We can't have sports.

Don't let this become reality.

It's time for a change.

Let's bench bad behavior for good.

We start the fourth quarter of our final flag football state championship of the week, and McEachern a two score lead thanks to the touchdown at the end of the third quarter.

Head coach Jake Burgdorf on the left in a good spot.

Coach Kevin Frazier knows his Greyhounds need to get it going here.

They got into McEachern territory a couple of times in the first half, but after going.

Picking up one first down and then having to punt on their first possession, they don't get the ball back until the start of this fourth quarter.

So not only does McEachern score, but they took a ton of time off the clock as Bensman steps up and incomplete, targeting Isabel Triston, a freshman and good hands in the defensive backfield.

Aaliyah Summers, along with Gabrielle Suarez.

Just showing why offense is not throw her way.

Usually by that relentless effort and knock down that ball out of the air.

Bensman steps up, sends it deep.

And a hard collision.

Both players going for the ball.

Micaela Butler and then looks like Talley Schuver may have gotten the worst for Ware there.

And we do have a flag in the backfield.

Illegal contact defense ten yard penalty from the previous spot.

Replay.

Second down.

So that's not the foul that was thrown on that one.

That's just two athletes going for the ball.

That one results in a first down.

What do you have there John.

They're going to try that play again this go round.

Cade Frazier said in the break.

This is backyard ball right now.

It's score.

Quickly get a stop.

Get another score.

They could be doing finals right now, but they're chasing a championship.

That sounds more fun to me over the middle.

It's complete and a first down.

Ella Nixon with the catch for Pope.

Definitely opening up the playbook there.

Good job on the sideline.

Not going to the pitch and catch anymore.

Going a little more down the field.

Benjamin showing off the arm strength.

Takes the snap and quickly rockets it to Schuver, who pitches it back to Kalman and she falls forward with the pull from Gabriela Suarez.

Suarez.

It feels like Pope.

I know this isn't what they want to do.

We do also have a penalty coming here against McEachern.

Yeah, I think on the attempted flag, Poole kind of get wrapped up around each other.

Taj time out.

McEachern their first of the half.

Interesting here to see Coach Burgdorf calling this time out.

Maybe wants to settle down the Indians here.

Yeah.

Pope having a pretty easy time moving down the field.

Couple penalties helping as well.

McEachern on defense.

Kind of getting a little excited.

Phenomenal job calling time out here and slowing down the nerves here.

Kind of just wraps her up and takes her to the ground.

Again, we talked about the opening non-contact contact sport.

If you're pulling the flag, no issue.

The way she kind of grabs the body and twists torso becomes the the flag out and tack on an extra 10 yards at the end of that play.

Let's listen in on the Pope huddle.

Just regular regular.

Stay in pitch phase, stay in pitch phase.

What you're going to see here once again, they're going to hurry up to the line.

He called two plays back to back.

They've seen the defense.

Time is of the essence.

Kalman pitches ahead to Davenport.

They've got the first down.

So into goal to go territory.

Now.

Just want to stay in that pitch phase.

What is that?

Yeah, that pitch option relationship.

They're talking about.

Just going to the pitch and catch on that play.

The rest of the ladies have to find that open space.

As you're back at your flagpole, look to pitch.

It.

Bensman fakes a handoff, sends it deep, and it's intercepted, picked off.

Zahrya Toregano with a huge interception, and McEachern now with a firm grasp on this state championship game.

Tries to get the ball up and over the defense.

Number 16 says I've already had one interception on the year.

I might as well go ahead and get a second interception here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Stop that drive.

And now that clock will start to feel heavy.

Not as heavy as that turnover chain though.

It looked like 6.5 minutes to play deep in their own territory.

McEachern content to kill some clock here, and it's worth noting there is no onside kick in flag football.

There's no way to stack possessions back to back.

So Pope can't really afford to take their time-outs now, but they have got to get a stop urgently.

Offensively, use the whole play clock all 25 seconds.

Not in a hurry.

Just take care of the football.

Don't force anything.

Ball broken up.

Looked like Micaela Butler was trying to get it to Ava Couzens.

Defensively, you know exactly what they're trying to do.

Apply that pressure.

Got to pull the flag first time.

They took care of Lambert last year.

Undefeated last season.

So Ava Couzens taking over at quarterback here.

Saw some of that here in this second half.

And that pass falls incomplete to Desiree Holiday.

And now time out called by Pope.

So they force the fourth down.

Dave that's critical.

Nice job getting off the field getting the ball back.

But the mission remains the same for the Greyhounds.

You gotta score and score now.

Under 2 minutes, the clock will slow down a little bit.

You mentioned no onside kick.

So coaches definitely Coach Fraser.

Definitely drawing up multiple plays at a time to get back on that ball.

Offensively, to move quickly.

I know we got 5 minutes left in the state championship game, but I just I gotta ask, do you think that P is that is that super glued on.

Is that a sticker.

What is that been looking at that all game.

Whatever the vibe is I might have to have a my initial on my ball spot too.

I don't.

Know, but from Ava Couzens fielded like Kalman and she brings it up.

It'll be first and four ball at the 24 and Pope has got to go.

Yep.

Coach Frazier spreading the offense out there.

We got to go.

Clock's going to keep running and melting away during this change of possession.

After the punt.

So 4.5 minutes to play.

Pope desperate now a little fake and a handoff.

Right side Joswick weaving inside the five.

And her flag pulled by Micaela.

Butler.

What a play.

Call.

When you're trying to score fast, just hand the ball off to the the track star.

Little misdirection gets up the field, almost gets in the end zone.

Shifty hips.

Pope needs to get in as quickly as possible.

Bensman is looking to throw the pass is complete.

Touchdown.

Great hands from Elizabeth Kelly.

Again, just getting the ball moving.

Not the best looking pass, but it will work.

So close to a sack.

After the interception, Pope could not have executed the next five or six plays better.

They got the stop.

Time-outs, have been called properly to conserve time, and now Coach Frazier leading the huddle.

Just pass it.

Really.

Just go to the go behind the corner.

They're not even.

Yep.

Remember you got to take a false step with Claire.

Yeah I got it.

You got it.

And then you're pitching to Abby.

Yeah yeah.

Hold on guys come here, come here you guys.

It's 23.

Listen to me.

23 Queen.

Okay?

If you have time, you can wait.

But I think that they're going to forget about Lily.

They're going to worry about you, and she's going to be in the back corner.

You can even trespass.

Yep, she's doing it.

It's 23, but she's just going to go to the back of the end zone.

Hey, but if it's not there, you got Talley coming across, too.

Hey, Kate.

Good luck going on in that huddle.

Let's see if Pope can cash in on the point after try.

You love the trust factor between the coach and the players.

The communication all on the same page.

A lot going on.

Here we go.

But Huebecker in motion.

It's Kalman who pitches to Bensman back in and the two point conversion or the point conversion is good.

So Pope gets the point after.

It's a point of note here for all you flag football gurus out there, coach, call a time out after the touchdown because as you can see, the clock is not running right.

Once you have a time-out, it's not until that next play that we put the ball back in play.

So nice job of Coach Frazier and his staff buying some more time with that time-out after the touchdown before the try.

Savvy savvy time-out call.

So 13-7 Pope needs another stop to get the ball back.

No onside opportunity in flag football.

So McEachern takes over first and six.

This is Ava George whose pass is complete, but a sack.

Yes, a sack.

What a pull.

That is huge for Pope from first and six.

It is now second down and 11.

Two on two up front rushers.

Just go right around it.

Nice job.

Patel get 20s sack of the year right there.

No better time than right now.

So Syra Patel with the sack.

McEachern going to try and milk that clock.

They can get it down to right around 3 minutes.

David George back in at quarterback.

Hoist it high and over the heads of Jaedalyn Hull third down and 11.

If you if you land this one, it's probably game over.

You don't.

We got some more work to do here.

Huge play McEachern if they can pick up the next zone to gain, they can crush the clock.

Pope shifting defensively.

Got to get to the paint at 30 yard line.

George heaves it deep.

Looking for Hall.

Incomplete.

Pope gets the stop.

Fourth down and 11 McEachern will be forced to kick.

They can take it down to the two minute warning, but the Greyhounds wow.

Tries to go right back the same side the field just not going to happen right there with Lily Joswick knocking that ball down.

She had the game winning breakup in their semifinal overtime win against Lambert.

She had the season saving breakup right there.

So fourth and 11.

Hubbard will punt.

And it'll be muffed right there by Kalman.

But Pope will take over a minute and 52 seconds on the clock in these tackle football timing rules take effect.

So the clock will stop on the change of possession.

Back inside the Pope huddle.

We got to get out of bounds if we're near it.

Unless you're going to go for more yards.

Okay.

Let's go.

Let's go.

20.

Okay, Claire, when you get to the sideline, go as far as you can and then get out of bounds.

Go.

Reminder you can stop the clock by getting out of bounds.

He's talking to Claire Huebecker there.

Number 0.

Kalman with the pitch and Huebecker get out of bounds.

No she did not.

They will say the clock will run.

Flag was pulled inbounds.

Nice work by McEachern.

Nice job.

Just runs out of real estate right there before she can get out of bounds.

Even better to pull the flag inbounds.

Down to 90s.

Pope trying to tie it thanks to that point.

After they could win it with another point after Bensman steps up.

Pass is complete to Schuver and her flag is still attached and it doesn't come off until she gets inside the 15 yard line.

Clock is going to stop for a brief second to to move the first down, and just relentless effort stands in the pocket surveys.

The field, gets the ball out.

Ten says I'm going to keep going until I have to.

Through all of this traffic picks up extra yards Greyhounds on the move.

Talley Schuver the freshman with a clutch catch.

Now the pitch Bensman right back to Kalman flag comes out.

And what are we going to have here?

The ball spotted at the six yard line.

Here we go.

Fourth conversation now between the officials.

Let's hear from Britton Lyon.

During the run, illegal contact offense 10 yards from the previous spot.

Replay.

First down.

Wow, what a call.

So instead of inside the ten, it is now spotted at the 20 1 yard line.

The clock still stopped a minute and one seconds left, but that is a huge swing.

Might have been on the down field and Kate Davenport I think maybe trying to with a block.

Either way.

Davenport now with the catch surging up the middle and the flag pole comes from Macbeth.

50s now and Pope is back within striking distance.

Ball at the 11 yard line.

Still a goal line zone line to gain.

Just chop it down.

Here we go.

So second down and goal.

Approaching 30s here.

Bensman pitch back Schuver Kalman flag pulled.

Oh, what a clutch pull for McEachern from Elias.

Summers and the time-out called by Kevin Frazier.

Aaliyah Summers is the reason this game is not tied.

Playing pitch and catch.

Going this way is going that way.

Even with the phenomenal.

Shifty hips by Kalman.

Nice flag.

Pull one more time inside that Pope huddle.

17 Talley you're in the slot.

Yeah, you're just moving to open space and we're going to let you read it.

Okay, you got me just a one, three or seven.

It's 17 113 or Abby's going to read it.

Okay.

Hey, listen listen, if we if we're short of the first down, we have to stay in here.

Guys, we need a second play in case we are short.

We got to hurry.

Okay.. Someone dying.

Or.

Yeah.

Okay.

We're gonna.

We're gonna fire nine f. We can't huddle, but we can't huddle.

20s.

No huddle.

Okay, so we're doing everyone's good.

17 letting Abby Reid you're in the slot.

Go into the end zone.

End zone.

4 yards ahead of you.

No short like a hitch.

Talk to her.

Go.

With 5 minutes left, McEachern led 13 to nothing.

And now Pope has two plays inside the five to tie this up.

21 seconds left.

Abby Bensman the quarterback.

The senior.

They've got that second play called.

If they don't get in, Bensman pitches it over.

It's caught by Kate Davenport and she is in.

No, they're gonna spot her short.

They're talking about it.

The clock should be running.

They got to get ready to run a play here.

If they are short.

All right.

I think the rule on the field is going to be she's short of the goal line.

They stopped the clock because officials talked about it.

See the.

Replay on the field.

There's the ball carrier was flagged short of the goal line.

The flag was coming off, but it didn't look like it was pulled off.

Here we go.

One more play clock will get started.

Back up.

State championship is on the line here from the one.

Benjamin.

Does she get in?

No, but we got a flag.

We have a flag.

They get the stop on the 1 yard line.

And now there's a conversation.

If they pick up the flag.

McEachern has won the state championship.

The ruling on the field is that the runner was short of the line to gain.

However, illegal contact, the penalty will be enforced half the distance to the goal will replay fourth down.

And the.

Game.

Clock will start on the snap.

A lot of bodies up here and the tight oh, my goodness a lot physical going on there.

Clock is going to stop here.

Now.

It's going to start on the snap because of the penalty.

Pope had the option.

Now the rule is you must take the snap 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

That is why Pope is so far back.

It's the Kalman and she is in.

We are tied with 5 seconds left.

And now the pressure shifts to the Indians Pope at the point after try to win the state championship.

And pull off an incredible comeback.

And now McEachern wants time-out as they want to look at the formation.

Taj time-out.

McEachern their second of the half.

For McEachern, it's about poised right now.

Dave.

And I mean, can you stress under 5 minutes without the football coming back the way Pope has?

How hard is that to do?

Well, that's why McEachern coach calls time out here.

And let's just take a deep breath, okay.

Backs against the wall here.

And let's go inside the McEachern huddle for this defensive stand.

Becker.

Come on, y'all.

Do not back up.

Y'all got this.

But she came down at the line.

What did you hear down there, Nelly?

So, Pope for the state championship.

The point after.

Try.

It's the Kalman pitch to Bensman.

She's looking end zone.

Pope has won the state championship.

Lily Joswick it with 5 seconds left.

Let's go down to John Nelson.

Kevin Frazier's dad.

Mark has been telling him all day that Abby Bensman to Lily Joswick would get you 6 yards.

It got you 6 yards.

It got you a conversion.

You're up one with 0:05 to go.

So McEachern is going to need a miracle.

They do have one time-out, but only 5 seconds on the clock.

Ava George at quarterback.

She steps up, heaves it high.

Incomplete.

The clock is at zeros and Pope is the state champions behind an unbelievable comeback.

A three peat for the Pope.

Greyhounds.

Extends the play.

Just keeps looking for the open receiver.

And then the ever critical extra point.

Lily Joswick.

She had the game winning breakup in the semifinal on a point after try.

And she has the game winning catch on a point after try as both teams shake hands.

And now Pope races towards their fans.

Dave, we've been doing these games now for six years.

When you're down 13-0 with less than 5 minutes to play, you don't have the football in flag football.

It's over again.

Going back to time-out, Coach Frazier called after the first score, probably 30 45 seconds there.

That bought him more time critical right there.

You don't score 0:05 to go.

Complete change of emotions everywhere in this building.

And your heart aches for McEachern.

They played a phenomenal game.

Their defense came up big time and time again in that first half.

And with that interception that they got from Zahrya Toregano, you felt like McEachern may have just won the state championship right there.

But credit Pope and their resilience as we welcome you back up to the broadcast booth here.

What a thriller.

My goodness.

I hope that's a sign of things to come here on this last day of the state football championships.

But David, the bottom line is these are two of the best teams in the state.

And they went up until the very last second.

Unfortunately, sometimes one team has to win and one team does not.

Complete change of emotions.

First half, second half.

Last 5 minutes of the fourth quarter.

Two blue Bloods.

McEachern.

They'll be back.

They'll be back.

Coach is going to reload.

No issues on that.

So tip the cap to the McEachern Indians.

But again, Pope coming on top today.

Just finding a way down early.

Keep playing the game.

What a thriller today, McEachern and Pope, the Indians, the defending state champs.

Pope, two time defending state champs.

It was a heavyweight fight and it delivered great defense early.

Abby Bensman Pope's quarterback under the weather.

You saw the pick from Soris and then a critical breakup.

The enthusiasm, the tension building and Jaedalyn Hull the senior getting the start gives McEachern the lead before the half, making it 6-0 And then McEachern, they added on.

This a game changing play right here.

Lily Joswick a future Division one track star racing down the sideline.

Elizabeth Kelly with a touchdown, and she was the one who had missed that flag pole in the first half.

And Bensman to Joswick for the lead with 5 seconds left.

Kevin Fraser the Pope Greyhounds state champions almost inexplicably, as you watch those last 5 minutes unfold.

Just fun to watch players keep playing the game no matter how much time is on the clock.

Coaches keep coaching.

Keep doing what?

Got you here.

The relentless effort, the experience from both teams.

It's hard to teach.

Experience.

And it was on full display today between both those teams.

And, again, decision making the time-outs was critical from coach Kevin Fraser.

That was an expertly done coach.

Jake Burgdorf his team and his program.

They're one of the standards in the state.

Undefeated last year.

And this one's going to sting for a while, no doubt.

But still, like you said, a group that's going to be back.

They've got too much talent, and I wouldn't be surprised if these two teams are meeting right here again, about a year from today.

So five flag football state championships in the books, Harris County winning division won their first ever title.

Greenbriar, a three-peat as they survive Jenkins North Oconee gets their first against Whitewater.

Blessed Trinity breaks Milton's heart again in overtime in the state final for the second time in the last four years, and then Pope and McEachern I don't know, I'm not sure we can pick between what was more thrilling Beaty or Middleton or Pope McEachern both those games.

Those are the two we circled when these matchups were finalized.

They delivered and then some.

Yeah.

If you're not paying attention to flag football around here, I don't know what you're doing.

You're asleep at the wheel.

Phenomenal.

Five game set right there.

Just again phenomenal.

Time to be around flag football.

So let's go down to John Nelson for the state championship trophy presentation with the Pope.

Greyhounds.

Thank you very much.

Wylie Ballard.

Time to give our first trophy on day number 3.

First and foremost though, shout out to everybody on McClain Road and McEachern.

Great season in flag football.

Tremendous program with Coach Burgdorf and all the athletes.

Great to see you here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2025.

But to give away that first trophy, it is our friends from Alfa Insurance and the executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr.

Tim Scott.

Yes, sir.

Let's say a big thank you to the Pope community.

What a great support you guys have.

And now, on behalf of Alfa Insurance, we would like to present Pope High School with the Georgia State championship flag football trophy.

You knew back in June that it might be this match up.

When you and Jake talking to one another about it, you got through this matchup first half you were down.

There were some adjustments that had to be and a tremendous comeback in that fourth quarter.

Yeah.

First off I just got to say Jake's a great friend of mine and we have nothing but the most respect for him and his program.

He does so much for flag football.

So we love him and we're still going to be friends after this game, but you know, the grit of this team.

Just when I thought that our game in the final four against Lambert couldn't get any better.

I mean, down 13 with 5 minutes left and finding a way to win.

It's just a lesson to all of us again.

Just never give up, you know?

So very proud of them.

This group of seniors.

I have to ask about this group.

When you look at those seniors, you see all those twelves on your roster.

What does it mean to finish a year with a championship with all those twelves?

Yeah, I think a lot of people looked at our roster and was like, man, eight seniors is a bunch especially.

We only have 18 players.

And you know, these girls have been with me since the, since the start and just they battle every day and they do what it takes to win.

And, I love coaching them.

And I got a little emotional there.

Just thinking we have to be done coaching them, but we'll forever be friends now.

Pope Greyhounds once again, state champs, Division five flag football, cotton Commission player of the game.

Coming up in just a little bit.

Let's send it back upstairs to Wylie and Dave.

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And welcome back to Mercedes Benz Stadium and into our first official GPB tailgate Party show.

Now, if you're just now joining us, a tailgate party means we've officially crowned one state champion.

It's our first of the day.

It came from Flag Division five.

Let's go ahead and take a look at our Georgia GMC scoreboard to see how we got there.

Flag Division five.

There you have it, Pope.

With the incredible comeback, the Greyhounds won 14-13 This team didn't quit you guys.

They turned it on with 4 minutes left in this game.

Came down to the last 5 seconds.

And now it's a three-peat for the Greyhounds.

Congratulations to Pope for winning Flag Division five.

Our John Nelson is on the field right now with our player of the game, Nelly.

Player of the game the Georgia Cotton Commission.

The natural choice for Georgia and our natural choice for player of the game is two Pope quarterback Abby Bensman.

Now this means that the hat is yours.

Go ahead and take the hat.

You can wear it if you want.

Now we also get the towel and the towel.

This has become an item that a lot of folks want, but only very few can have.

And so what we do is we drape it over the shoulder, make sure that everybody can see.

So three in a row.

What was it like out there today?

I mean, it was obviously amazing to come back in the first place.

Not many people get the chance to be here.

And this is my third time here.

And I also was a little nervous.

You know, another game, but I was mostly excited.

You were nervous?

Yes.

Why?

I mean, I just always get nervous before games, even if it's a game that's not even for our region, but especially for the championship.

Just.

I wanted to win.

So the conversations at the half, you were down six.

What was the conversations with you and your players and with the coaching staff to make the adjustments to get ready for the second half?

Going into the half time, everyone was pretty down.

I think we had a couple players crying, but our teammates all just came around and we just said, we're still in this game, we're coming back, Frazier said.

To us, he says, I know we're going to come back and win.

We face these challenges.

We faced worse, like in our last game in the Final Four, we were in the same situation, so we knew we were going to be able to come back.

And you did exactly that.

Walk me through the last drives where you get the score, the stop and the score.

What was it like for you going through that?

I was so nervous.

Our first drive, when we know we needed to score.

That's when I was the most nervous.

But after when I get out there and we just got into the rhythm of.

After our first score, I felt good for the second touchdown.

I knew we were going to do it.

And you did exactly that.

What's it like with your fellow seniors going out?

Got the three.

What's it going to be like?

Memories that you're going to carry with you?

I'm going to remember this night forever.

I'm going to remember all three of the nights, but especially this one.

I've been playing with these people for four years, and now it's my last game ever.

But even when you're up there on the stage, it's getting a little emotional.

I know there'll be some tears on the way back, but it's so fun.

Qb2 Pope Greyhounds two gets 33 in a row for the Pope Greyhounds first ever Division five champ.

And there the fans hanging out with you right back there.

Pope Greyhounds once again, Nick Palmer state champs and flag this time.

Division five.

Thanks, Nelly.

Well, hey Abby, put the bins in Bensman did she not?

Congratulations to her team, the Pope Greyhounds.

Unbelievable.

Come back.

Finish well.

We have witnessed some incredible football all throughout the season of 2025.