Game Recap: PCA Lions Defeat MTCS to Claim Region Championship

Game Recap:

First Quarter: Defensive Stalemate

The game opened with both defenses setting the tone. MTCS forced a turnover on downs at 5:13 on fourth-and-1, but PCA answered with a massive red-zone stand on fourth-and-16. The quarter ended scoreless, 0-0.

Second Quarter: MTCS Strikes First, Takes Halftime Lead

Defense continued to dominate early in the second, as MTCS stuffed PCA on fourth-and-3 at midfield with 11:52 remaining. The Cougars broke through at 9:34 when Alie Bangura powered in for a touchdown run (PAT missed), putting MTCS up 6-0.PCA responded swiftly at 5:51, with Sean Birkofer scoring on a TD run (PAT good) to take a 7-6 lead. MTCS reclaimed momentum late in the half, driving to the PCA 5-yard line with 56 seconds left. Bangura capped the drive with a 1-yard wildcat plunge for his second TD, sending MTCS into the locker room ahead 13-7.

Third Quarter: PCA Regains Control

MTCS received the second-half kickoff but couldn't convert. PCA tied it at 4:25 when Birkofer notched his second TD run, putting the Lions up 14-13. Momentum tilted further PCA's way at 4:06 when they forced a fumble at midfield. MTCS countered with an interception by Bangura, but a medium-range field goal attempt clanged off the crossbar—no good. Heading to the fourth: PCA 14, MTCS 13.

Fourth Quarter: Lions Pull Away

PCA wasted no time, as Birkofer broke loose for his third TD run at 11:28, extending the lead to 21-13.MTCS went for it on fourth-and-5 at midfield but was stuffed again by the Lions' defense. PCA drove into the red zone and faced fourth-and-2, only for MTCS to deliver a huge stand with 3:23 left. Trailing 21-13 with 2:10 remaining, MTCS faced fourth-and-23 and attempted a double pass—snuffed out by PCA for a safety, pushing the score to 23-13. With 31 seconds left, Porter Dedman added a compensatory TD run to ice it at 30-13.

Final: PCA 30, MTCS 13

The Lions' defense forced multiple fourth-down stops and turnovers, while Birkofer's hat trick powered the offense. PCA secures the region crown and a playoff bye.

Biggest Takeaways:

Sean Birkofer capped off 3 Touchdowns on the night for PCA both of these teams have very snout defenses. For MTCS Alie Bangura was flying all over the field he had a interception and a tounchdown run on the ground he is proving to be a standout player for MTCS. With the regular season concluded both of these teams will turn thier attention to the 2025 TSSAA Football playoffs.