The Pioneer Flag Football team continues shaping its fairytale inaugural season, leading to a trip to the Section VI finals.
ABOVE: The Panthers' latest team shot after a win, which they've done nine times this season.
The Panthers earned the berth with a thrilling 26-20 win over Williamsville North on June 2. The win in the semifinals earned Pioneer (9-0) a shot at the sectional finals on Wednesday, June 7, at 7:00 p.m., vs. Clarence. The neutral site is Sweet Home High School.
Coach Chris Edwards and his staff watched the Panthers take a 19-0 lead by halftime, after which the Spartans came storming back twice. It was 19-14 when Jayden Leederman picked off a Williamsville North pass and returned it for a TD. The Spartans rebounded with their own TD drive, and got the ball back with about a minute in regulation.
ABOVE: The Panthers celebrate following a narrow victory.
Williamsville North had the ball on the Pioneer 1-yard line with 4 seconds to go. That's when freshman Lily Kless made a clutch stop, ripping the ball carrier's flag as time expired.
Watch the goal-line stand: https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_v...
Lily Kless told a reporter, "I just did it for my team. I just knew we had to get it. Four seconds left, you just get to it."
WNY Athletics/NFHS has live coverage (subscription required) of the Section VI championship. Watch it at the following link: