Atlanta, GA - St. Pius X found a way to win Thursday night, as the Golden Lions erased a 21-3 deficit and defeated the Southwest Dekalb Panthers 28-27 in overtime. With the win, the Golden Lions improved to 4-1 overall on the season, and remained undefeated in region at 3-0. The Panthers fell to 3-2, 2-1. 

It was all Southwest Dekalb for the first 20 minutes of the game, as the Panthers scored two completions for a touchdown in the first quarter, and added another rushing score in the second quarter. Pius' only points during that span was a 37 yard field goal by Senior Ivan Lipscomb. The Golden Lions started turning momentum in their favor with 20 seconds remaining in the half, as Sophomore John Taylor scored on a 2 yard run to make the score 21-10 at halftime.

With the help of an improved defensive performance, St. Pius X was able to get to within one score with 4:17 to go in the 3rd quarter, as Taylor once again found the end zone. The Golden Lions went for 2 on the try after, and converted on a Colin Crosby pass to Edward Van Nort. The score would remain 21-18 until the very end of regulation. Pius took possession of the ball on their 36 yard line with 3:17 to go in the game. After two fourth down conversions, the Golden Lions moved the ball all the way to the Panther 9 yard line with 3 seconds left to play. Ivan Lipscomb came through again, by drilling a 24 yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime.

St. Pius X had the first possession of overtime, taking just two plays to go 15 yards, culminating in a 4 yard score by Colin Crosby. Lipscomb hit the PAT, which at the time seemed pretty standard. Southwest Dekalb also took two plays to find the end zone in their possession. The Panthers decided that the game was going to end one or the other as they decided to go for the two point conversion. Braylon Carter could not find an open receiver as the Panthers failed to convert, and the Golden Lions escaped with the 28-27 overtime win!

St. Pius X finished with 283 yards of total offense, while giving up 321 to the Panthers. John Taylor led the effort on the ground with 81 yards of rushing and 2 touchdowns. Crosby went 2-7 in the air for just 20 yards.

The Golden Lions will return to action on 9/27, as they host North Springs for Homecoming. Kickoff will be at 7:30 PM from George B. Maloof Stadium.