Despite a slow start, the Allatoona Buccaneers pulled out to a 10-0 lead in the first half after a field goal by Natan Shaw (29) and a touchdown by Jeremy Uzee (6) on a quarterback keeper. As the second quarter was winding down, the Hiram Hornets came swarming back with a touchdown and field goal of its own. The score was tied 10-10 at halftime.
Allatoona took the kick to start the second half. The Buccaneers drove down the field only to be stopped inside the 20. Allatoona missed a second field goal attempt.
The score remained tied until the start of the fourth quarter when sophomore Josh Bettistea (26) broke off a 33-yard touchdown run from scrimmage. The extra point was good and the score was Allatoona 17, Hiram 10.
Later in the fourth quarter, Hiram was driving and Jamal Hinds (24) rolled off a 39-yard touchdown run to bring the Hornets within one. The extra point was good and the score was once again tied.
Hiram had a chance to win the game with a last-second field goal from its own 31-yard line. The kick fell just short, but Allatoona was called for a roughing the kicker penalty. Hiram had a second chance at victory. The attempt was blocked by the Buccaneers and the score remained tied 17-17 as regulation ended.
Allatoona got the ball first in overtime. Starting from its own 15-yard line, Allatoona was stopped by the Hiram defense and had to settle for a Nathan Shaw (29) field goal.
Trailing 20-17, Hiram took its overtime possession. The Buccaneer defense rose to the challenge and held the Hornets for three downs. The Hornets would have to settle for a field goal to tie up the game and force a second overtime. Hiram lined up for the attempt. Instead of kicking the field goal, the Hornets snapped the ball directly to the kicker whose pass attempt fell incomplete in the end zone.
Allatoona survived a 20-17 thriller to remain undefeated.
