For just the second time in program history, the Pierce County football team is the best in the state.
Caden McGatha scored the last of his four rushing touchdowns in the third overtime as the Bears outlasted Rockmart in a 48-45 thriller on Tuesday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It was the second state title in program history for Pierce County. Its first in 2020 also went into overtime, but not like this one. McGatha capped his brilliant junior season with a combined six touchdowns, including two in overtime. He was 5 of 8 passing for 131 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns, both going to tight end Carson Sloan.
The Bears (14-1) went back and forth with Rockmart throughout the day and had a shot to win in regulation, but the Yellow Jackets blocked Garrett Stevenson’s 49-yard field goal to send it to OT.
Things were just getting good.
Brent Washington scored on a 4-yard touchdown first for Rockmart, with McGatha following with a 3-yard run.
The Bears got a fourth-and-goal scoring run by Sloan in the second overtime to go in front 42-35 and the Yellow Jackets (12-3) countered with a touchdown of their own in the second OT. They went in front on a 28-yard field goal from Jose Alegria to start the third extra period.
Like he has done all season, McGatha delivered when it mattered ripping off a 7-yard run in the third OT to wrap up a championship for the Bears.