There were 12.8 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter with the Theodore offense set up on the 10-yard line — facing a fourth and goal situation. Tight end Finn Gipson snuck past the defense, with wide-open space in front of him.

However, he was soon met face-to-face with Benjamin Russell’s Bryce Carter, who delivered a punishing blow, not only before the goal line but also jarring the ball out in the process — sending the Wildcats to the Class 6A football quarterfinals with a 21-14 win over the Bobcats.

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Samuel Higgs / TPI Benjamin Russell's Cederian Morgan (1) looks for open space after securing the catch against Theodore.
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Samuel Higgs / TPI Benjamin Russell's Bryce Carter (13) and Jasiah Hardnett (11) combine for a tackle against Theodore.