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The Trojans led 14-12 at their own 18-yard line with 3:28 left on Monday at Charles A. Lawson Field, snatching a Division 2 South victory on the road from Hamburg. Southwestern completed the drive in just one play, catching a short pass from Avery Casselman and finding open field all the way home for the game-winning touchdown at Hamburg. got through the defense.

“It’s great, the weather is beautiful, you couldn’t ask for anything more,” Southwestern head coach Jake Burkholder said. “Our girls went through a lot during this game, they didn’t have the game experience that a lot of other teams have had, but they really stepped up and did a really great job.” I did a few things.”

Erica Pickard completed the two-point conversion for Atwater, increasing the Trojans’ margin of victory to 19-14, and Southwestern’s defense did its job, shutting out the Bulldogs and clinching the league championship.

Southwestern (1-0, 1-0) went through an emotional roller coaster in the second half, entering the game with a 6-0 lead but quickly saw that lead disappear in the final 10. They scored 2 points per minute and were back in first place.

Southwestern’s Marlana Cresanti was looking for room to run after making a catch against Hamburg in Monday’s Division II South Flag football game at Charles A. Lawson Field. Pajama photo by Christian Storms

“Many of these girls have played on the volleyball team, soccer team and some successful teams at Southwestern,” Burkholder said of the team’s poise. “I think it’s part of their humanity and understanding that we’re one play away at any given time. Just keeping that mentality and understanding that the game isn’t over until the end. ”

Both teams struggled to get the ball into the red zone in the first half, but Atwater was able to break free with a big catch and run for his first touchdown of the game.

“She’s a great leader for us,” Burkholder said of Atwater. “She’s here every day giving 100%. She studies the game, she understands what we’re trying to do here, she understands her teammates and she’s able to bring everyone together. She does a really good job of keeping us on the same page. Competently, she’s better than anyone else on the day and she brings a lot to the table for us.”

Hamburg’s offense (0-3, 0-1) gained momentum in the second half, with quarterback Angelina Green putting the Bulldogs in position to score 10 minutes into the first half. Peyton Eyre wrapped up the drive and Rachel Helfenstein’s conversion gave the Bulldogs a 7-6 lead.

Hamburg didn’t have to wait long for another scoring chance, but a mishandled pass on Southwestern’s next drive went into the air and into the hands of eighth-grader Paige Garland, making it the second point of the game for the Bulldogs. He made his second interception. Garland’s return put Hamburg in prime position to score, and Green drove in a touchdown to take the lead. She added another with a conversion of her own on the ground to make it 14-6.

Southwestern’s Mallory Atwater runs for a touchdown against Hamburg during a Division 2 South Flag football game Monday at Charles A. Lawson Field. Pajama photo by Christian Storms

Coach Burkholder reassured his team that there was plenty of time left for a comeback and Southwestern would get back to work quickly.

After consecutive series ended in punts for both teams, Marlana Cresanti made a long return for the Trojans, reinvigorating the team and putting pressure on Hamburg again. Casselman ended the drive with a short touchdown run at 6:57, but the two-point conversion failed, leaving Hamburg with a 14-12 lead.

“She’s a multi-sport kid and does a little bit of everything,” Burkholder said of Cresanti. “She’ll be here again, just like Mar, she’ll give it her all every time. She can do it offensively and defensively, and she’s pretty skillful. She can make great things happen and the girls They all have great attitudes and want to win and be competitive.”

The Bulldogs couldn’t muster a response to Southwestern’s touchdown, and Atwater’s go-ahead goal was the backbreaker as the Trojans held on for a 20-14 victory.