ATLANTA — The Benedictine Cadets came tantalizingly close to clinching their fifth state title, but ultimately, the Creekside Seminoles edged them out with a 42-39 victory in an electrifying match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday.

Initially, Benedictine struggled, trailing 21-3 in the second quarter. However, they ignited a remarkable comeback, scoring 21 unanswered points in the final eight minutes of the first half.

The closing moments of the half were marked by a clever play, as LaDamion Guyton, who has committed to Texas Tech, executed a deft 1-yard jump-pass touchdown to tight end Bennett Conaway.

In a dramatic turn of events just before halftime, a fumble by Creekside in the red zone enabled Benedictine to seize a 24-21 lead going into the break.

Though they began the second half with possession, Benedictine was forced into an early punt, allowing Creekside’s formidable offense to regain momentum.

Creekside was most effective on the ground, amassing 325 yards on 45 carries in the game. They finished with 486 total yards, while Benedictine was held to only 272.

Benedictine tried to stage a similar late-half comeback in the fourth quarter, trailing 42-24 after giving up 21 unanswered points to start the half.

A 32-yard touchdown connection from quarterback Stephen Cannon to Eron Mallard with 11:33 remaining made it 42-31. Benedictine would fail to score on its next possession, but played inspired defense and got the ball back with only a few minutes remaining.

After a long drive aided by Creekside penalties, Benedictine made it 42-37 with 1:04 left, thanks to a Cannon quarterback run. The Cadets converted the 2-point conversion to make 42-39.

However, the comeback would prove unsuccessful after failing to recover the onside kick.

Cannon finished the evening 11/24 for 213 yards and three touchdowns through the air, while adding a fourth score on the ground. The Creekside defensive front caused problems consistently, however, as Cannon was sacked six times.

Mallard, his most frequented receiver of the night, caught six passes for 140 yards and two scores.

Creekside completed a 15-0 season, breaking the Georgia record for points scored in a single season. The Seminoles’ 845 points bested Langston Hughes’ previous record of 792 in 2022.

On its way to a second state championship in program history, Creekside outscored opponents 845-125. The first title for the Seminoles came in 2013.

It was Benedictine’s fifth state championship appearance in program history, but the first time the Cadets finished as runner-ups. All five state championship appearances have come under Head Coach Danny Britt, finishing in his 15th season with the team.

The Cadets will lose a strong senior class following the loss and will now set their sights on 2026.