Patriots Win in 15-12 in OT

Timothy Finley kicked a 27 yard field goal in overtime to lift the Christ Prep Patriots over the North Georgia Falcons 15-12 in the first round of the National Homeschool Football Tournament in Panama City Beach, Florida.

The entire contest from start to finish was dominated by CPA's stellar defense and as a result the game was a back-and-forth contest most of the way, especially in the first half, as both teams traded possessions before North Georgia connected on a long pass play which put them up 6-0 at intermission.

During the third quarter, CPA scored on a 6 yard pass from Finley to Chase Stamatis. Finley's PAT was wide, however, so the Patriots and Falcons were then knotted at 6. Immediately after CPA's score, North Georgia scored after the ensuing kickoff on a 56 yard reverse.  That score put North Georgia in the lead until Finley recovered his own fumble in the backfield and ran the ball in for a one yard touchdown. Finley once again missed the PAT so the game was tied at 12-all at the end of regulation.

The overtime rules provide for each team to get four plays from the other team's 10 yard line. North Georgia got the ball first in OT and immediately ran the ball down to the three yard line. On the next play, however, North Georgia fumbled the ball at the goal line and the Patriots recovered, ending the drive.

It was then the Patriots turn to get the ball on the 10. Before running their first play, the Patriots were penalized for having 12 men on the field. So at first-and-fifteen, Christ Prep ran three plays but could only get to the nine-yard-line.  The CPA coaching staff was undaunted by the missed extra points and called on Finley to kick the game winning FG. He delivered, splitting the uprights from the 27 with quite a bit of room to spare.

Christ Prep now advances to the Championship game of their bracket where they'll take on the Homeschool Association of Dallas, Texas who soundly beat (48-6) the CHEF Patriots from Baton Rouge, La. The game will be held Saturday at Arnold High School in Panama City Beach. Stay tuned for the exact time as it will be announced tomorrow.

Christ Prep delivered a well balanced offensive performance. The team had 166 yards rushing on 54 carries. Finley gained 68 yards on 18 carries with a TD while Grant Layman ran for 54 yards on 15 carries. Will Cook contributed 40 yards on 17 carries. Finley threw for 124 yards on 12-23 passing with one TD and one INT. Finley's passes went to Chase Stamatis (4 cathces for 57 yards and one TD), Davis White (4 receptions for 31 yards), Tanner Metzdorf (3 catches for 25 yards), and Josiah Thill (1 catch for 11 yards).

Defensively, the Patriots excelled and received outstanding performances from several individuals. Regan Hurley led the team wih 11 tackles while delivering a blocked PAT. Josiah Thill had 9 tackles and a sack while Timothy Finley added 8 tackles and a fumble recovery.  Cale Thomas had five tackles and two sacks. Will Cook added another fumble recovery while Chris Mills and Davis White each intercepted a Falcon pass. Tanner Metzdorf had two defended passes to go with three tackles.

To view photos of today's action, please follow this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/113773381929590803444/NorthGeorgiaCPAPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCL3-kPaKjLTgYQ