Coosa Christian Wins First State Title with Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Comeback

December 5, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a dramatic finish at Protective Stadium, the Coosa Christian Conquerors overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Lanett Panthers 29-22, capturing the first state football championship in school history.

The victory in the AHSAA Class 2A state finals capped a 13-game winning streak for the Conquerors (13-2). The win also marked a significant milestone for head coach Rush Propst, who secured his sixth AHSAA state title and eighth overall championship as a head coach.

Fourth Quarter Comeback Stuns Lanett

The contest appeared to be slipping away from Coosa Christian midway through the final period. Lanett (12-3) took a 22-14 lead with just 5:30 remaining on the clock after Panthers standout Nadarious Morgan broke free for a 67-yard touchdown run.

Despite the late deficit, the Conquerors responded immediately. Coosa Christian marched 55 yards in six plays on the ensuing drive. Quarterback Kylen Johnson capped the series with a 4-yard touchdown run with 3:20 remaining. Johnson then connected with LJ Mostella on a crucial 2-point conversion pass to knot the score at 22-22.

“Things looked a little bleak, and Mac Long picked it up,” Propst said regarding the team’s resilience in the final minutes.

Defensive Stand and Injury

Following the tying score, the Coosa defense forced a Lanett punt, giving the offense one final chance to win in regulation. However, the momentum came at a cost. Johnson, who played a pivotal role on both sides of the ball, suffered a leg injury while playing defensive back on the series and was unable to return for the final drive.

“We are hard-nosed and tough and we’re not going to give up,” senior lineman Zayden Franklin said.

Mac Long Delivers Game-Winning Drive

With their MVP quarterback sidelined, the Conquerors turned to Mac Long to direct the offense with the championship on the line. The unit took over and executed a precise five-play, 55-yard drive.

Long ran four consecutive read-option plays, handing the ball to running back Joseph East to set up the defense. On the fifth play, with just 22 seconds remaining, Long faked the handoff to East, pulled the ball back, and raced around the left end for a 20-yard touchdown.

“I finally got them to bite really good, and I was able to score,” Long said of the decisive play. “I knew we could come back.”

Propst praised the execution in the final moments. “I’m happy with the way we executed at the end,” he said. “It had to be a Mac Long night then.”

Johnson Named MVP

Despite leaving the game with an injury, Kylen Johnson was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. During the post-game ceremonies, two offensive linemen carried Johnson to midfield to accept the award.

Johnson’s impact was felt throughout the night. He finished with 64 rushing yards on 20 carries, scoring touchdown runs of 2 and 4 yards. Additionally, he contributed in the passing game, catching a 26-yard touchdown pass from Long earlier in the contest.

“We fought back,” Johnson said. “We fought and fought good.”

Redemption for Coosa Christian

The victory served as the culmination of a “redemption story” for the Gadsden-based Christian school. In 2024, the school faced AHSAA probation and a playoff ban due to rules violations, despite a strong regular season. The program also carried the weight of a 28-21 loss to Leroy in the 2023 Class 1A title game.

“The feeling of losing the state championship carried us to here,” Franklin noted. “We definitely would have won back-to-back if we could have made it last year.”

The arrival of Rush Propst in August, replacing suspended coach Mark O’Bryant, helped lift the probationary status and cleared the path for this postseason run. Propst’s resume now includes five titles at Hoover (2000-2006), two at Georgia powerhouse Colquitt County, and now a historic first title for Coosa Christian.

“It’s been a wonderful journey,” Propst said. “Although a little tough, it’s been wonderful because of the kids.”

By The Numbers

Lanett Panthers:

Nadarious Morgan: 19 carries for 185 yards; Touchdown runs of 2 and 67 yards.
Fred Broughton: 10-of-21 passing for 126 yards; 1 rushing touchdown (1 yard).
TJ Brooks: Led the defense with 10 tackles.
Jever Valbuena: Kicked a 23-yard field goal.

Coosa Christian Conquerors:

Kylen Johnson: 20 carries, 64 yards, 2 TDs; 1 receiving TD (26 yards).
Mac Long: 8-of-13 passing for 116 yards; 5 rushes for 45 yards, 1 TD.
Joseph East: 6 carries for 49 yards; Led the defense with 11 tackles.

Lanett head coach R.J. McDonald acknowledged the heartbreak of the close loss but praised his team’s effort.

“It’s a tough one,” McDonald said. “The boys fought and played hard. They played resilient all year long. … We just had to execute a little bit better.”