FLOWERY BRANCH — Flowery Branch knew two hard and fast facts on the eve of Friday's showdown at West Hall:
- The Falcons needed a win.
And
- Some players would have to shine in different roles to help make it happen.
With a number of teammates unavailable due to injury, Chase Dial-Watson stepped into the breach, showing out on offense, defense and special teams to help vault the Branch to a 27-7 victory over the Spartans.
Dial-Watson, normally a defensive stalwart for the Falcons, rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown and hauled in two catches for 25 yards on offense. The junior also did his usual thing on defense, making eight tackles, breaking up two passes and intercepting another. And on special teams he returned a kick for 57 yards to help set up another touchdown.
For his efforts, Dial-Watson has been named the Conditioned Air Systems Athlete of the Week.
The victory halted a two-game losing skid and clinched a state playoff berth for the Falcons, who are still looking to clinch the No. 3 seed from an incredibly strong Region 7-4A.
AccessWDUN Sports and Friday Game Night's Morgan Lee recently caught up with Dial-Watson to talk about his big night, what Friday's win meant to the Branch and how this week's regular season finale is shaping up.
