NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U, 34; Thomas, 27
Records: Life U, 2-2 (2-2 SUN) ; Thomas, 4-1 (0-1 SUN)
MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life University women's flag football team took down the Nighthawks of Thomas in a double OT thriller on Saturday afternoon. The contest started slow, with the scoring picking up drastically in the second half.
Cheyenne Brooks kicked off the scoring for the Running Eagles on the second drive of the game. Needing just two plays, Brooks rushed home the opening touchdown of the game after connecting with Altierra Gooch on the previous play for a 43-yard strike.
The first-quarter touchdown marked the only score in the first half as the Life U defense held the visiting Nighthawks offense scoreless.
Thomas opened the scoring in the second half, but failed the one-point conversion, making the score line 7-6. However, the Nighthawks were not done in the third, adding another late touchdown and successful conversion, taking a 13-7 lead. Life U responded with a strike of its own, making it 13-13 heading into the final quarter of regulation.
In the fourth, Thomas retook the lead early in the quarter as the Running Eagles trailed 20-13 through the middle minutes. Brooks and company responded with a nine-play, six-minute drive that was capped off with a six-yard pass to Latoya Mitchell. Dechea Branham rushed home the conversion to tie the game, 20-20. The Life U defense came up massive on the ensure Nighthawks drive as Promise Cooper intercepted a tipped pass, giving Life just under two minutes to attempt to win the contest. However, the game could not be decided in regulation and headed to overtime.
Starting off the first overtime, Thomas scored a touchdown and added a successful conversion. Brooks responded with a touchdown pass to Gooch before rushing in a successful conversion. Tied at 27-27, Life U remained on offense for the second overtime. Keeping the rhythm going, the Running Eagles offense retook the lead 34-27 before the defense came up with a big four-down stop, bringing the contest to a close.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Cheyenne Brooks: 24/38 completions, 259 yards, 3 TDs
--Altierra Gooch: 4 receptions, 112 yards, 1 Receiving TD
--Dechea Branham: 10 receptions, 60 yards
--Ainhoa Garcia Velasco: 4 TKLs, 1 assist
--Laila Wade: 4 TKLs
UP NEXT:
--The Running Eagles remain at home for doubleheader action against Graceland and Erskine on Saturday, March 7.
