Congratulations, Maddie

Stefan Cooper Editor Blount Press Row

Our team lost, but that’s no reason to steal her thunder.

Heritage fell in a heartbreaker, 21-20, on Friday when a bad snap on an extra point with 22 seconds remaining forced holder Tristen Hurst to attempt a desperation heave for two.

A Panthers defender knocked down the pass at the goal line to preserve the lead.

Minutes earlier, Lenoir City experienced similar misfortune after the go-ahead score, but the holder somehow got the ball on the tee. Panthers place-kicker Maddie Williams kept her cool and drilled it, a boot that would have easily been good from 40 yards.

Personally, it’s the first time we’ve ever seen a girl score the winning points in a high school football game in Blount County. Haven’t seen it anywhere else, either.