Mobile Christian Edges Cottage Hill Christian 12-7 on Late TD Pass in Single-A Showdown

MOBILE, AL – A muddy field, a slipping defender, and 34.7 seconds on the clock. That was all it took for Mobile Christian to steal a 12-7 victory over host Cottage Hill Christian on Friday night at Charles V. Lang Stadium.

Quarterback Israel Benard connected with JT Redd on a 48-yard touchdown pass in the game’s final minute, lifting the Leopards to a hard-earned win in the Single-A Private matchup. The result moved Mobile Christian to 2-1 on the season, while Cottage Hill dropped to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in region play.

Warriors Strike First

Heavy rain hours before kickoff set the tone for a defensive, field-position battle. Cottage Hill drew first blood in the opening quarter after Xykais Thomas came up with an interception that handed the Warriors a short field.

The offense capitalized quickly. Quarterback Shamar Toodle found Aaron Ward for a 27-yard touchdown, putting Cottage Hill ahead 7-0 and giving the home crowd early reason to celebrate.

Leopards Answer Back

Mobile Christian responded on its ensuing possession. Tristan Aragon powered in from 8 yards out to cap the drive, cutting the deficit to a single point. The extra-point attempt sailed wide, though, leaving the Leopards trailing 7-6.

That missed kick loomed large as both defenses dug in. The soggy conditions bogged down each offense, and the 7-6 score held through the middle stretches of the game.

A Frantic Final Minute

Cottage Hill leaned on ball control late, trying to bleed the clock and protect its lead. A delay-of-game penalty stalled that plan, forcing the Warriors to punt with just over a minute remaining.

Mobile Christian pounced. A long punt return flipped the field and set up Benard’s heroics. On the game-winning play, a Cottage Hill defensive back slipped on the slick turf, and Redd hauled in the 48-yard strike to put the Leopards ahead 12-7.

The Warriors had one last chance. Toodle guided a drive deep into Mobile Christian territory, but his final pass fell incomplete as time expired.

Standout Performances

Benard finished 8-for-14 for 90 yards through the air and added 14 yards on eight carries. His poise in the two-minute drill proved decisive.

Aragon carried the load on the ground for Mobile Christian, rushing 11 times for 30 yards and the team’s only offensive touchdown before the game-winner.

Cottage Hill got a gritty effort from Toodle, who completed 7 of 16 passes for 92 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also led the Warriors’ rushing attack with 63 yards on 12 attempts. Ward was Toodle’s top target, pulling in four catches for 60 yards and the touchdown.

Playing With Heavy Hearts

The win carried extra weight for the Leopards. Offensive lineman Ryder Barstow took the field just one day after losing his father, and his teammates rallied around him throughout the night. The emotional backdrop added meaning to a victory decided in the closing seconds.

Cottage Hill, meanwhile, showed resilience under coach Carvel Jones despite the tough finish. The defense played a strong game, and the Warriors have a full season ahead to regroup.

Looking Ahead

Both programs turn the page quickly. Mobile Christian, under coach Charles Lawson, returns home to host Northside Methodist as it looks to build on its 2-1 start.

Cottage Hill hosts Snook Christian, aiming to bounce back after a narrow, last-second loss. With a long season still in front of them, the Warriors will look to convert Friday’s near-miss into momentum.