The Houston Academy Raiders fell to the Mars Hill Bible Panthers on Thursday 50-43 in the championship game for 3A. The Panthers were guided by a record breaking rushing attack for a total of 445 yards. It was the most rushing yards in a championship game since 2010 when Thomasville rushed for 418. While there were many big plays in the game, the play that changed the game was a fumble by Houston Academy trailing 36-29 with 5:59 left in the game. Running back Andrew Gil fumbled on a rushing attempt that was returned by Cam Isbell 40 yards to give Mars Hill a 43-29 lead.
The Raiders would not quit though. Houston Academy made the score 50-43 with 52 seconds left when quarterback Kaydn Mitchell found Whit Price for a 30-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, the onside kick was unsuccessful and the Panthers used two kneel downs to run out the clock.
The Raiders were led in the game by Mitchell who threw for 388 yards and four touchdowns. Gabe Glover was to top target for Mitchell catching seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Riggs Hickey added in six catches for 90 yards and one touchdown. Hudson Higgins had a big game for Mars Hill on the ground with 200 yards and three touchdowns. Behind Higgins, Caden Chandler rushed for 172 yards and two scores.
Houston Academy ended the first quarter up 12-0. The first scoring drive of the game for the Raiders began at their own one-yard line after Hickey intercepted Panthers quarterback William Mann. That was the first interception of the season for Mann. The Raiders capped off the 99-yard drive when Gil scored on a two yard run with 2:55 remaining in the quarter. Glover then forced a fumble on Higgins at the Houston Academy 42-yard line to set up the next score. On second and 22 Mitchell connected with Glover for a 69-yard touchdown to go up 12-0. Mars Hill would outscore Houston Academy 14-3 in the second quarter.
With both teams tied at 22 after the third quarter, Mars Hill took the lead with Higgins scored a seven yard touchdown with 10:28 left in the final quarter. Gil scored on a short touchdown run with 7:31 in the fourth before the Panthers took the two touchdown advantage. Defensively, Houston Academy was led by Hudson Lee with 11 tackles. The Raiders end the 2024 season with a 13-2 record.
