Lincoln County came within three yards of a state championship, but Bowdon held on in the final seconds to secure a 35–31 victory in a thriller that featured big plays, controversial moments, and a frantic finish.
Fast start and early momentum swings
Lincoln County opened the game with a strong first drive, leaning on running back Kelby Glaze to move quickly into Bowdon territory. The drive stalled around the 33 yard line, but kicker Fortson Partridge knocked down a 50-yard field goal to give Lincoln County a 3–0 lead with 9:37 left in the first quarter.
Bowdon responded immediately. After a strong kickoff return set up good field position, quarterback Joshua Hopkins completed two quick passes to move the ball to the Lincoln County 20. On third down, Hopkins found wide receiver Mykah Patterson for a 19-yard touchdown, giving Bowdon a 7–3 lead midway through the opening quarter.
Lincoln County put together a long, methodical drive that carried into the second quarter, converting a key 4th and inches to keep the possession alive. The drive ended with running back Johnathan Norman scoring on an 8-yard sweep, capping a 16-play, 80-yard march and putting the Red Devils back in front 10–7 with 11:50 remaining in the half.
Bowdon answered again on its next possession. On 3rd and 6, Hopkins escaped pressure and connected with wide receiver Berkley Perkins for a 48-yard touchdown, swinging the lead back to Bowdon at 14–10.
Lincoln County wasted little time reclaiming momentum. Glaze opened the ensuing drive with a 51-yard run, and sophomore Aiden Jones finished it with a 4-yard touchdown to give the Red Devils a 17–14 lead with 6:50 left in the second quarter.
Late-half mistakes give Bowdon the edge
Penalties became a factor late in the half for Lincoln County, and Bowdon capitalized. After forcing a three-and-out and taking over at the Lincoln County 41 following a short punt, Hopkins lofted a 20-yard jump ball to Kaiden Prothro, a five-star Georgia commit, who came down with the touchdown in double coverage. Bowdon carried a 21–17 lead into halftime.
Bowdon extended its lead early in the third quarter following a drive that reached the goal line. A fumble at the 1-yard line was initially ruled recovered by Lincoln County, but the call was overturned after officials ruled the ball carrier had crossed the plane before the ball came out. The touchdown pushed Bowdon’s lead to 28–17 with just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Lincoln County struggled to regain momentum late in the third, throwing an interception on third down and committing a late-hit penalty that helped Bowdon flip field position. The defense would eventually get a third down stop forcing a Bowdon punt.
Fourth-quarter surge falls just short
Glaze powered Lincoln County back into the game early in the final period, breaking through multiple defenders for a 4-yard touchdown run and trimming the deficit to 28–24 with 10:09 left.
After forcing another Bowdon punt, Lincoln County delivered its biggest play of the night. Glaze broke free for an 84-yard touchdown run, giving the Red Devils a 31–28 lead with 5:34 remaining.
Bowdon would go on to answer one final time. Prothro caught a 30-yard pass on the first play of the drive, and Bowdon converted a fourth-and-one to keep the possession alive a few plays later. On 3rd and 14, Hopkins rolled out and delivered a 27-yard touchdown pass to Perkins, putting Bowdon back in front 35–31 with 2:34 left.
Lincoln County mounted one last drive, reaching the Bowdon 10-yard line after a pass interference penalty extended the possession. The Red Devils converted a 4th and one with seven seconds left and spiked the ball to stop the clock leaving just one play remaining.
On the final play, Mekhi Wade completed a short pass to Norman, who was tackled at the 3-yard line as time expired, sealing the victory for Bowdon.
Lincoln County finished the night just three yards shy of a state title in a game that came down to the final snap.
