The clash between two undefeated titans, North Penn and Abington, had everything a championship should offer and more.
With just seconds remaining, Abington, backed up near its own end zone, made a crucial fourth-down stop to capture its third straight Suburban One League flag football championship, 20-13.
Even in defeat, North Penn head coach Kevin Zebluim praised his team’s resilience.
“We ended up in some adverse situations early, and they fought back,” Zebluim said. “They could have turned their stuff in and gone the other way, but they kept fighting.”
Abington opened the scoring on its first drive, as senior quarterback Maya Johnson found senior Sara Kaeser in the end zone to cap off an 11-play possession. After a failed conversion attempt, Abington led 6-0.
Faced with a fourth down after the punt, North Penn junior Tessa Wieloch weaved through defenders for an 11-yard gain and a first down.
Two plays later, senior quarterback Tori Cavanaugh connected with junior Amani Keys for an 18-yard touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. On the extra-point attempt, Cavanaugh once again found the sure hands of Keys, giving North Penn a 7-6 lead.
With time for one final drive before the half, Abington’s experience, led by Johnson, took center stage. Johnson picked up two clutch third-down conversions, bringing her team to a goal-to-go situation with seconds left.
On fourth-and-goal with nine seconds remaining, Johnson lofted a pass to junior Shya Crafton for the go-ahead touchdown. She then found senior Paula Jarmul for the two-point conversion, putting Abington ahead 14-7 at the break.
The second half began as a defensive battle, with both teams refusing to give an inch.
For more than 15 minutes, neither team could break through until Johnson connected with senior Madison Oldham in the end zone for her third touchdown pass of the game. The failed conversion left Abington with a 20-7 lead and less than 10 minutes to play.
With their season on the line, North Penn responded quickly. Just four plays later, Cavanaugh hit Wieloch in stride, and the junior sprinted through the Abington defense for a touchdown. Abington’s Sydney Brice intercepted the extra-point attempt, keeping the score at 20-13 with under five minutes remaining.
Needing a stop, the North Penn defense delivered. On third down, senior Lani Williams intercepted Johnson and returned the ball down the sideline, setting up North Penn inside Abington territory.
The Knights advanced to within five yards of the end zone, facing a fourth-and-goal. Cavanaugh rolled to her right and fired toward Wieloch, but Brice stepped up again, making the game-saving stop to secure Abington’s third consecutive SOL title.
The loss ends North Penn’s season, but not without history. The Knights completed their first undefeated regular season in program history, and head coach Zebluim believes this run has created lasting memories and teaching moments for the girls.
Wieloch and Keys already have their sights set on next season and redemption, as they said they are hungry and ready to train all offseason to get back in this spot.
“An undefeated season is hard to accomplish,” Wieloch said. “But I know my team, and I have faith that we will do it again next season and be even better.