Trailing Columbia 3-0 in overtime, Lee’s kicker Derrick Champine prepared himself to attempt a 21-yard field goal to tie the game. During the timeout, Champine yelled to his head Coach O.J Small from the field that he could not get the proper footing on the wet and muddy field to make the field goal. Faced with a decision, Small made the difficult call to go for the win on 4th down instead of the tie. His decision paid off when Timothy Gallon caught a 4-yard pass from Cale Zarah to score the winning touchdown, as Lee defeated Columbia in overtime 6-3.
The game was scoreless through regulation, as both teams battled back and forth in this Class 6A Region 1 playoff rematch. The two staffs were very familiar with each other. Lee had knocked Columbia out of the playoffs two out of the last three years. While both teams jockeyed for the number one spot in their 2-6A district race this year, with Lee winning their regular season contest in overtime.
Yellow laundry hampered the first quarter as penalties negated big plays. Columbia’s Jordan Smith took off on a long 16-yard run yet was negated by a Columbia penalty. Likewise Cale Zarah hit Terry McKinney for a big gain for Lee, however was wiped out by a penalty.
The second quarter highlighted the defensive stalemate of the first half. Columbia’s Derek Johnson made big hits and pass deflections, also Dylon Lumpkin made crushing stops in the backfield. For Lee, Larry Smith, and Maurice Heath made plays in the secondary to ensure a 0-0 tie going into halftime. Lee and Columbia were dead locked in the running game at 50 yards a piece. Columbia’s Jordan Smith and Marquez Bell were effective in the short passing game with 6 catches for 70 yards.
The third saw more defensive plays and missed opportunities. Marlon Pollock and would step up for the Columbia defense stuffing Lee on a 4th down. Lee’s Amari Mitchell secured pass break ups and Ralph Mency jolted in the backfield for stops. It looked as Columbia would be able to capitalize on a fumble recovery by Derek Johnson, but Columbia missed a field goal 25-yards as the quarter ended with a 0-0 tie.
The fourth quarter action increased in intensity as the game neared the end of regulation. Cale Zarah would hit Timothy Gallon on a big catch setting up Lee to the 3-yard line with just 30-seconds to play in the game. The Generals had first and goal from the Columbia 3 yard line but the Tigers stuffed the run on the one yard line to end regulation.
Lee attempted to score first in overtime, but a sack by Columbia’s Le’Vontae Camiel stopped the Generals on fourth down. It was Columbia’s turn to win with any points, but Calvin Sinclair would get a big sack on 3rd down forcing an almost impossible 40-yard field goal on the soaked backyard field. No Good!
Columbia would get the ball first this time and be forced to kick a 35-yard field goal. The kick by Zach Williams was good as the Tigers led 3-0. Lee’s offense had intense pressure to respond, and as Cobie Bates powered them down to the 3- yard line the Generals were faced the game deciding decision. That decision is the reason the Generals are moving on to the third round of the playoffs for the third time in four years.
Lee (9-3) will travel to Pensacola to face Escambia (12-0) this week. Escambia defeated Mainlad 27-7 last week to advance to the Regional Finals. Coach Small will attempt to advance to the state semifinals for the second time. Decisions like he made Friday night to win the game is what makes him a 5-star general, a battle ready for the next opponent.
