After being challenged by the coaches at halftime, Sylvania executed defensive adjustments and shut down Madison Academy in the third quarter. Thomas and Parham each had touchdown runs to tie the game at 35-35 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.
The Rams forced a three-and-out, Parham ran over a Mustangs defender for a big gain, and Smith completed a pass to Josh Scott to move to the 16-yard line. On fourth-and-1, however, the drive stalled on a mishandled snap.
Madison Academy took advantage of the mistake as the fourth quarter opened and drove the length of the field, scoring on a 28-yard scamper by Joshua Williams with 8:53 left in the game for the 42-35 lead.
Sylvania’s next drive ended on a tipped pass from Smith that was intercepted, but the Rams’ defensive pressure kept the team in the game by forcing another Mustangs three-and-out.
“We made some adjustments at halftime, and we were able to hold them to 10 points in the second half,” Vann said. “Really proud of how the defense played in the second half to keep us in the game and force them to drive the length of the field.”
After the punt, another big gain by Thomas was followed by Smith connecting with Scott for a 34-yard strike to move into Mustangs territory with just under 1:00 left, and the Rams capped the drive with another Smith-to-Scott connection for the touchdown. A penalty call on the extra point forced a re-kick, and Andrade booted the critical 35-yard extra point to tie the game at 42.
“Smith made some plays in the passing game, Scott went up and got the football, and Andrade was able to make the clutch extra point, which was huge,” Vann said.
Creehan led the Mustangs down the field with three completions to move Madison Academy into scoring position, but on second down, Scott leaped high for the one-handed interception with :13 seconds left to force overtime.
The Rams had gained the game’s momentum, and in the extra period, Creehan was sacked by freshman Travis Owens on first down. The Sylvania defensive backs knocked away the next two passes to force a field goal by the Mustangs.
On its overtime possession, Thomas bullied his way in from four yards out for the score and 48-45 victory that moved the Rams into the third round of the playoffs.
Sylvania finished with 596 yards of offense. Thomas finished with 254 yards and five touchdowns on 24 carries, while Parham had 21 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown. Smith finished 12-19 for 134 yards with a touchdown pass to Scott, who had 8 receptions for 104 yards and the score.
Sylvania will face Geraldine in an all-Dekalb County third-round playoff battle with the winner advancing to the semi-finals to play either Piedmont or Gordo.