Top Performers from St. Albans and Bell 40-34 OT Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The DCSAA Class A Championship featured star power on both sides as St. Albans and Bell pushed each other to the limit. In overtime, St. Albans prevailed 40-34, propelled by [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice']'s dominance and Brett Paukstis' composure under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Summary of DCSAA Class A Championship</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Score:</strong> St. Albans 40, Bell 34 (OT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Highlights by Quarter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell starts strong with a 55-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington'] to Aaron Perkins (Extra point blocked). Bell 6-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell extends the lead with a 5-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington'] to [player_tooltip player_id='1242803' first='Jayden' last='Watts'], followed by a two-point conversion. Bell 14-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albans responds with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Brett Paukstis to [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice']. Bell 14-7</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell closes the quarter with a 70-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington'] to Aaron Perkins. (Bell leads 22-7)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Second Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albans fights back with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brett Paukstis to [player_tooltip player_id='1697451' first='Edward' last='Samuel'] III and a 5-yard touchdown pass from Paukstis to [player_tooltip player_id='1313257' first='Zahir' last='Cobb'], bringing the score to Bell 22, St. Albans 21.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albans takes the lead just before halftime with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Paukstis to [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice']. (St. Albans leads 27-22)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Third Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell regains the lead with a 14-yard rushing touchdown by [player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington']. Bell 28-27</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albans' Brett Paukstis throws an interception returned 50 yards by Bell's Aaron Perkins, leading to another Bell touchdown, a 10-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington'] to Jacob Green. The two-point attempt was no good.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>End of the quarter, Bell leads 34-27.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fourth Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albans ties the game with a late 11-yard touchdown pass from Brett Paukstis to [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice'] with 1:32 left.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Both teams are unable to score in their final possessions. (End of Regulation: 34-34)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overtime:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bell fumbles on their possession; St. Albans recovers.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Albans seals the game with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brett Paukstis to [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice'].</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Turning Points:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Late First-Half Rally</strong>: St. Albans erased a double-digit deficit with consecutive touchdowns.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Fourth-Quarter Clutch Drive</strong>: St. Albans' late touchdown forced overtime.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Overtime Turnover</strong>: Bell's fumble allowed St. Albans to seal the victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>&nbsp;Top Five Performers from St. Albans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice'] (WR/DB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Key Contributions:<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scored three receiving touchdowns, including the game-winning 10-yard touchdown in overtime.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dominated in the passing game with a 60-yard touchdown and a 35-yard score.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Contributed defensively with crucial tackles and an interception.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact: </strong>Rice's performance on both sides of the ball was instrumental in keeping St. Albans in the game and clinching the victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brett Paukstis (QB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Delivered multiple clutch touchdown passes, including the overtime winner to Rice.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Demonstrated resilience under pressure, leading several critical scoring drives.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Completed passes across the field, showcasing accuracy and composure.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact: </strong>Paukstis orchestrated the offense effectively, providing the leadership needed for the win.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1313257' first='Zahir' last='Cobb'] (WR/DB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scored a pivotal 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Made several vital receptions, including a critical 42-yard catch late in the fourth quarter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Played strong defense, limiting Bell's offensive momentum.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact: </strong>Cobb's playmaking ability helped shift momentum in favor of St. Albans at critical junctures.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>(A) William Moore (LB) and (B) Kenny Dilanian (LB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions (Moore):</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>They had several tackles for a loss and made stops on key downs.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blocked an extra point in the first quarter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions (Dilanian):</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Helped make a key stop in the red zone in the fourth quarter, keeping Bell within striking distance.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He was active in the second half and made a few tackles against a strong Bell rushing attack.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":5} --> <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1697451' first='Edward' last='Samuel'] III (WR)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scored a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter with an impressive back-shoulder catch.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Added valuable yardage on receptions to sustain drives.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Impact: Samuel's clutch catches helped St. Albans stay competitive and set up scoring opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Five Performers from Bell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington'] (QB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Accounted for multiple touchdowns, including a 55-yard pass to Aaron Perkins and a 14-yard rushing score.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Showcased versatility with impactful runs, including a 24-yard gain and several first-down pickups.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Connected with Jacob Green for a critical touchdown pass on 4th and goal.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact:</strong> Washington's dual-threat capabilities kept Bell's offense dynamic and helped build an early lead.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Aaron Perkins (WR/DB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scored two long receiving touchdowns (55 yards and 70 yards), showcasing his speed and route-running ability.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards, setting up a crucial touchdown.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Delivered solid pass coverage and made several key tackles.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact:</strong> Perkins' big plays on offense and defense were instrumental in Bell's strong performance.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Chidiire Nwokwu (DB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Broke up multiple critical pass attempts in the red zone, including two against [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice'].</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Consistently provided tight coverage, limiting St. Albans' scoring opportunities in critical moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact:</strong> Nwokwu's defensive presence helped Bell stay competitive, particularly in high-pressure situations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kavon Hill (DB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Recorded a critical goal-line interception in the third quarter, halting a St. Albans scoring drive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Delivered solid defensive plays, helping Bell force turnovers and limit yardage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact:</strong> Hill's timely interception was pivotal in maintaining Bell's lead during the game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Joseph Green (LB)</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Key Contributions:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Recovered a fumble deep in St. Albans territory, setting up a scoring opportunity.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Made critical tackles throughout the game, including in the backfield for losses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Impact:</strong> Green's defensive playmaking gave Bell crucial opportunities and disrupted St. Albans' offensive rhythm.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ED O.B.'S EXTRA POINTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was one of the more entertaining games I've watched this season. This was a game of two different styles: Bell with the running game and St. Albans with the passing attack. Bell's [player_tooltip player_id='1611654' first='Antonio' last='Washington'] deserves a ton of respect for his effort. Washington, who plays quarterback, gained many yards behind solid blocking from his offensive line. St. Albans pretty much knew Washington would run the football for the most part, and he still could power through and break tackles for yardage. Washington even threw a few timely touchdown passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Albans was a team that I saw over a month ago, so I was familiar with some of its offensive weapons: Brett Paukstis, [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice'], [player_tooltip player_id='1313257' first='Zahir' last='Cobb'], and Will Martin. Paukstis (QB) and Rice (WR) teamed up for a few touchdown receptions, including 60-yard and 35-yard scores. Rice is a Division I talent, and I would think the Ivy and Patriot League schools are taking a closer look at him. Meanwhile, Paukstis showed me why there's a buzz around him and his potential. Cobb (WR) was also essential for St. Albans and was also a reliable target for Paukstis. Notably, Will Martin had a few runs that helped St. Albans move the sticks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell's [player_tooltip player_id='1242803' first='Jayden' last='Watts'] (WR/DB) would've made the Top 5 list, but unfortunately, he could not finish the game due to an injury. Before he left the game, he had two solid pass coverage plays, including a breakup, against [player_tooltip player_id='1242689' first='Lacy' last='Rice']. Watts also scored in the first quarter, catching a 5-yard touchdown pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to St. Albans for winning their first-ever DCSAA Class A state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->