For the second straight year, the Upson-Lee Knights and Mary Persons Bulldogs battled into overtime, and once again it was Upson-Lee coming out on top. A 25-yard field goal from sophomore Tristen Boyt in the extra frame lifted the Knights to a 17–14 win in a defensive struggle Friday night in Thomaston.
Neither team could establish much offense in the first half. Upson-Lee finally broke through with just 10 seconds remaining in the second quarter, taking a 7–0 lead into halftime.
Mary Persons answered midway through the third quarter. With 3:50 left, LJ Zellner broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run to knot the game at 7–7.
The momentum shifted early in the fourth when the Bulldogs went for it on 4th down from their own 17-yard line but came up short. The Knights capitalized on the short field, and QB Nico Wells powered in from one yard out to put Upson-Lee ahead 14–7 with 9:14 to play.
The Bulldogs responded immediately. Mason Stephens returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards to inside the Knights’ 7-yard line, setting up a CJ Banks 1-yard plunge after a three play drive. With the extra point from Cory Mixon, the game was tied 14–14.
As regulation expired, Upson-Lee had a chance to win, but Tristen Boyt’s 36-yard field goal attempt missed wide, sending the game to overtime for the second consecutive season.
In the extra session, Mary Persons’ Mac Nelson was intercepted on the Bulldogs’ opening possession. This time, Boyt delivered, drilling a 25-yard game-winner to give Upson-Lee the 17–14 victory and back-to-back overtime wins against Mary Persons.
