STAFF REPORT

RALEIGH, N.C.—A Southampton Academy touchdown with 3 seconds left in Friday’s game ended Word of God Christian Academy’s 35-game winning streak and makes the Raiders the No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

“It was one of the more exciting finishes I’ve been associated with,” said SA Coach Dale Marks.

The game was tied 34-34 with 16 seconds left when the Raiders took over the ball on their own 26-yard line. SA moved the ball 74 yards in two plays. Quarterback Tonee Hill hit Paul Parker with a 46-yard pass. Quarterback Matt Rose followed by completing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Hill.

“I was jumping up and down,” Marks said.

Southampton improved to 8-0 and Word of God, which won state titles the last three years, fell to 7-1.

The Raiders rushed for 239 yards and passed for 54, while their opponents rushed for 207 yards and passed for 84 yards.

Southampton led 8-6 at the end of the first quarter and 26-14 at the half. The third quarter ended with the Raiders ahead 34-26. Word of God tied up the game with 7 minutes left.

Hill carried the ball 23 times for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Parker carried the ball 11 times for 44 yards and one touchdown. Rose added 54 yards on seven carries for one touchdown.

Another key play was a 62-yard touchdown from Hill to Parker for the Raiders’ fourth touchdown.

As long as SA wins its playoff games, they will be held at home.