When Myrtle quarterback Jase Gibson entered the endzone for a 15-7 lead with just 1:32 left in the game, many Raiders fans started heading for the exits hoping to get a head start on the large homecoming crowd.
Those who stuck around got more than their money’s worth.
Benton Academy would go on to tie the game in the final seconds and win it 21-15 in overtime.
The first sign of hope was when Myrtle missed the extra point attempt that would have put the game out of reach, but even then, the Raider’s chances seemed slim as it would require a touchdown and a two-point conversion with little time left. That time seemed even shorter against a defense that had only allowed one score in over three quarters and had two interceptions.
Clayton Saxton called a fair catch on the kick to set up the drive. Waylen Dewitt had a five-yard carry before quarterback James Patterson completed a first down pass to Bryce Ables, who quickly got out of bounds and stopped the clock.
Patterson completed a first down pass to Daniel Washington, and a personal foul added 15 yards and got the Raiders in the red zone.
The Raiders were in striking distance, but the Hawks defense was turning up the pressure. Now it was fourth and goal with just 10 seconds on the clock.
Patterson rolled out to the left under heavy pressure from three defenders and completed a touchdown pass to Colin Washington in the end zone with just five seconds remaining. Colin Washington then punched in the two-point conversion with a sweep to the right that tied the game with just five seconds to go.
The Hawks got the ball first in overtime, and Dalton Robles made a tackle on the first play. Robles continued to impress defensively, leading the night with a total of 20 tackles. Myrtle got to the two-yard line before a false start penalty moved them back to the seven, and the Raiders kept them from scoring.
Colin Washington was stopped for a loss of five on the first play of Benton’s overtime possession. Daniel Washington then got a short gain to bring up third and 15.
Daniel Washington then broke loose for a would-be touchdown that was called back for holding, but Raiders coach Kenny Burton liked what he saw and called the same play again. This time Daniel scored to seal the deal and set off a celebration for a comeback victory and BA’s first ever win over an MHSAA opponent.
The game started out as a defensive showdown with Saxton getting a sack on Myrtle’s first possession and Robles making a pair of stops to bring up fourth down. The Hawks kicked a field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 5:28 left in the first quarter.
The remainder of the first quarter was a defensive battle with Garrett Vandevere, Kendall Walker, Cullen McCain, Robles and Ables leading the way.
Vandevere blocked Myrtle’s second field goal attempt of the night at the beginning of the second quarter.
Daniel Washington then started off the following drive with a nine-yard carry before Patterson completed back-to-back passes to Colin Washington.
The Hawks defense stood strong and forced a turnover on downs, but Ables came through with a fumble recovery on the 16-yard line. That set up a drive that ended with Daniel Washington scoring his first touchdown of the night from five yards out.
Evan Michael Williams added the extra point kick for a 7-3 lead with 6:32 to go in the second quarter.
On Myrtle’s next drive Wes Melton and Walker got a sack to force the Hawks to punt. Saxton returned the ball for what would have been a touchdown, but it was called back for an illegal block. BA’s coaches protested that linebacker Parker Nelson’s hit was clean, but the potentially game-changing penalty stood.
Benton was threatening to score again in the third after Patterson completed first down passes to Colin Washington and Ables, but Zane Hill got an interception on the six-yard line.
Hill would grab another interception to set up a 15-yard keeper by Gibson for a 9-7 lead with 9:39 to go in the third quarter. That lead would hold heading into the final quarter.
Benton had a turnover on downs on the 20 with just 2:20 left in the game that might have been the last chance, but one thing the Raiders have consistently proved this season is that they’re not going down without a fight.
This week the Raiders (3-4) host Canton Academy (4-3) in a conference game. The stakes are high as both teams are 1-0 in district play. Canton defeated Central Holmes 43-14 last week to give the Trojans their first district loss.
