Doylestown, PA – Abington wanted a challenge, and North Penn delivered. In a thrilling Suburban One League Championship showdown, the undefeated Lady Ghosts (13-0) edged out the previously unbeaten North Penn Lady Knights (13-1) 20-13 to claim their third consecutive title. Unlike their usual dominant performances this season, Abington faced adversity and rose to the occasion with grit and heart. Co-Head Coach Melissa Brizzell couldn’t hide her pride: “They’ve been craving a real competition all season, and this was a matchup. They came in with a great mindset, played fierce, and poured their hearts into it. They faced challenges, overcame them as a team, and earned this win. I’m so proud—they wanted it and got it.” The Lady Ghosts’ laser focus was evident, driven by their senior leadership. Co-Head Coach Francis Bowe highlighted their determination: “From the start of the season, Coach Brizzell and I noticed how focused the seniors were. With prom Thursday, graduation looming, AP testing, and college on the horizon, these brilliant girls could’ve been distracted. But they said, ‘We want this,’ and their performance showed it.” Abington started strong, moving the ball downfield on their opening drive, capped by a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Maya Johnson to Sara Kaeser. North Penn stopped the conversion, but Abington led 6-0. The Lady Ghosts’ defense forced a punt on North Penn’s first possession, setting the tone early. However, North Penn’s defense answered, forcing a turnover on downs. The Lady Knights capitalized, marching downfield and scoring when Tori Cavanaugh hit a wide-open Amani Keys with a short pass over the middle. After a successful conversion, North Penn took a 7-6 lead with 3:55 left in the first half.
Not to be outdone, Johnson showcased her playmaking ability, twisting, juking, and breaking ankles before finding Shya Crafton in the end zone. A successful two-point conversion put Abington back in front, 14-7, at halftime. The third quarter saw Abington’s defense stifle North Penn, forcing another punt. The Lady Ghosts’ offense struggled to gain yards, and North Penn’s defense held firm, forcing a punt of their own. Abington’s defense continued to shine, stopping North Penn’s next drive. The offense then took over, with Johnson completing five consecutive passes before hitting Madison Oldham wide open in the end zone. North Penn blocked the conversion, but Abington extended their lead to 20-7 with 10 minutes remaining. North Penn wasn’t done. With 4:52 left, Cavanaugh connected with a streaking Tessa Wieloch, who spun and juked past defenders for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 20-13 after Abington’s Sydney Brice intercepted the conversion attempt. At the two-minute mark, needing just three yards for a first down, Johnson spotted an open receiver, but North Penn’s Lani Williams had other plans, sprinting in front of the pass for an interception. Coach Bowe reflected post-game: “That interception left no one in sight—it should’ve been a North Penn touchdown. But one of our girls—I didn’t even know who—chased it down. That’s the epitome of this team: never giving up.” Unbeknownst to Bowe, it was Johnson herself, sprinting down the sideline to make a game-saving tackle. The final series showcased Abington’s mental toughness. North Penn drove within three yards of tying the game, but the Lady Ghosts’ defense stood tall, with Brice breaking up a crucial pass. The offense took over, intentionally downing their final two plays to run out the clock and seal the 20-13 victory.