ATLANTA, GA – In a historic night for Georgia high school athletics, the Pace Academy Knights proved that their high-octane offense is more than just a regular-season flash. Under the bright lights on Thursday, the Knights secured the Area 5 Championship with a thrilling 26-18 victory over a resilient McEachern squad, marking a major milestone in the program’s history.
The championship game was a showcase of elite athleticism, headlined by junior quarterback Amaya Howard. Howard, who has been the talk of the Georgia flag football circuit all season, finished the night with three passing touchdowns and 85 rushing yards. Her ability to extend plays with her legs while maintaining vision downfield was the primary reason McEachern’s defense struggled to find a rhythm.
Defensive Resilience in the Red Zone
While Howard led the charge on offense, the Knights’ defense provided the grit necessary to hoist the trophy. Holding a narrow lead in the final two minutes, Pace Academy’s secondary delivered a goal-line stand for the ages. Cornerback Harper Sullivan recorded a crucial interception in the end zone on a fourth-down play, effectively sealing the victory and silencing the McEachern sideline.
“Our girls have a ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality,” the Pace Academy head coach said during the trophy presentation. “We knew McEachern would make a run, but Harper’s awareness in the red zone is something you can’t coach. That’s pure instinct.”
The Rise of Flag Football in Georgia
The atmosphere at the stadium was a testament to the surging popularity of girls’ flag football across the United States. Georgia, being one of the pioneer states in sanctioning the sport, saw record attendance for this year’s area finals. With this win, Pace Academy moves into the state playoffs as one of the favorites to reach the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the finals in December.
As the sport continues to gain momentum, scouts from collegiate programs and even NFL-backed initiatives are keeping a close watch on talents like Howard and Sullivan. The Knights have not only won a title; they have set a benchmark for excellence in the sport.
Join the Revolution: Want to keep up with the fastest-growing sport in the nation? Click here to visit our Girls Flag Football page for game highlights, state playoff brackets, and in-depth player features!