It was a great championship game between Patriot Oaks Academy and Freedom Crossing Academy, but in the end it was Freedom Crossing that got the SJMSAA D2 trophy over Patriot Oaks by a score of 22-18..
Freedom Crossing scored first when Grant Kilgore ran it in the end-zone on a short touchdown run. Gilgore muscled his way into the endzone, carrying defenders for the score.
The crucial 2-point conversion came next and it was successful. Quarterback Zac Conner used a killer cross over at the 2-yad line for the score, giving the Falcons a 8-0 first quarter lead.
After the Falcons defense forced a Patriots Oaks punt, Freedom Crossing attempted to take a big shot down field to get into scoring position. However, Patriot Oaks defensive back Justin Roddy intercepted a pass and returned the pick into Freedom Crossing territory.
The interception would set up a score by Patriot Oaks. A short 1-yard touchdown run which made the score 8-6 at halftime. Patriots Oaks had kept the game close thanks to the receiving of Nolan Nelson, and the defensive play of Justin Roddy.
Patriot Oaks would make a serious push for the lead in the game in the second half. After nabbing an interception and getting the ball deep into their opponent’s territory. Patriot Oaks would pull some trickery to catch Freedom Crossing off guard to take the lead on a touchdown pass.
Trailing 12-8, Freedom Crossing only needed one play to take the lead. The Falcons gave the ball to their big play maker Grant Kilgore who ccaught the swing pass, and wouldn’t be caught on his way to a 60-yard touchdown, giving his team a 14-12 lead in the fourth quarter.
Kilgore would close the scoring out for Freedom Crossing, when he rocketed around the right side all the way to the endzone for a back breking touchdown. The Falcons would go on to win 22-18.
Said Coach Andy Williams after the win, “this was a culmination of alot of hard work for 3-years, going from 2 wins in the first season to 9-0 this season”. Freedom Crossing won their first championship in school history.
