ATLANTA — Westminster came from 14-points down in the fourth quarter to beat Blessed Trinity 38-31 in overtime Friday to win the Class AAA state title in a frantic finish that is sure to be discussed for years to come.
The Wildcats (11-4) trailed 31-17 with 6:25 left after Conor Davis scored on a controversial quarterback sneak on fourth down to give the Titans (13-0-1) what looked to be an insurmountable lead.
But Westminster stormed down the field in an 11-play, 80 yard drive that took just 2:33 to get within 31-24 after Joe Egan connected with Rankin Woley on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats then got a fortuitus bounce when an onside kick attempt bounced off a Blessed Trinity blocker, rolled 30 more yards and they were able to recover the ball at the Titans 21.
Isaiah Malcome scored on the very next play knifing up the middle for a 21-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 31 with 3:39 left.
In overtime, Westminster took its first lead since the second quarter when Malcome scored on a 3-yard run for a 38-31 lead. The Titans were answering back quickly but Milton Shelton lost control of the ball at the 1 trying to reach for the end zone and the Wildcats recovered in the end zone to secure the improbable win.
Shelton was a workhorse for Blessed Trinity carrying the ball 37 times for 257 yards. Malcome had 126 yards on 21 carries for Westminster.
Blessed Trinity had beaten Westminster 24-10 during the regular season.
