McCallie started strong but needed a fantastic finish to secure a 24-17 Division II-AA playoff win over Battle Ground Academy.
A 17-3 halftime lead was wiped away before Jack Williamson hauled in a 43-yard touchdown pass from Trent Lusk with three seconds left in the game.
“We knew we had to score on the last play and we ran in everybody to the left side, and we always have the backside open for release, and on this play I just happened to be open,” Williamson said over the phone Friday night. “The play is designed to go to the left, I’m kind of a last ditch effort. I’m more of a last relief route and everyone else was covered. I just happened to be open”
It was a fitting end — McCallie dominated offensively with 472 yards on 66 plays, including 207 yards rushing from Daniel McClure — and one that Williamson will never forget.
“This memory is going to stick with me for the rest of my life,” Williamson said. “Our season could have been over tonight, but it was a great team effort, and we kept our season alive, and everyone is grateful for that”
McCallie (5-5) will play at MUS next week.
• North Jackson 35, Cleburne County 28: Chiefs got two touchdowns apiece from Kahne Cooper and receiver Daqwan Lowrance in the win.
North Jackson (11-0) will play the winner between Fayette County and Central-Florence.