Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
FLORA — The Flora Wolves had never won a football playoff game.
Until Saturday.
Trailing Nashville 39-35 in the fourth quarter and facing a fourth-and-six with the clock reading 5:00 and counting, senior quarterback Parker Helm connected with Gage Dugan for a 29-yard go ahead touchdown pass. It was Helm’s fifth touchdown of the day.
Dugan then sealed Flora’s first football playoff win in school history by intercepting Brantley Kozuszek’s pass deep in Wolves’ territory in the game’s final minute.
Fittingly Helm, who also booted five extra points, took a knee to run out the clock, and an emotional celebration was on.
Helm finished the day 8-18 for 257 yards passing and those five touchdowns. Three of those TDs went to Kehlin Crawford, who hauled in five passes for 160 yards. Kormik Massie rushed for 121 yards and scored a touchdown on offense and also registered 19 tackles to lead the defense.
Cole Stiegman threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Hornets. Kozuszek had a rushing and receiving touchdown for Nashville.
The Wolves improve to 9-1 and will host Pana at 2:00 Saturday in round two. The Hornets finish their season 5-5.
