I'll throw one of my favorite Beechwood games of all time into the discussion.
2007 1A State Championship - Beechwood 38 Lexington Christian 35
This game was filled with big plays, back and forth scoring and excitement. It was not only a great game but it was consequential in Beechwood history as it was Noel Rash's first state title. He led Beechwood to another state title the next year and he needed that cache as Beechwood hit a drought that lasted 8 years before the Tigers took off on their recent run of 7 state titles in the last 10 years.
In the game, the teams traded TD's in the first quarter. Then after LCA scored to tie it at 7-7, one of the themes of the game emerged - BW special teams success. Beechwood's Ryan Amelung returned the kickoff 99 yards to immediately put BW on top 14-7. A fantastic first quarter.
That kickoff return gave BW momentum as they added another TD on their next drive to push the lead to 21-7. LCA bounced back with a score before halftime to make it BW 21 LCA 14.
Coming out in Q3 after halftime, LCA seemed to find something. They started rolling on the Tigers scoring two TD's to take a 28-21 lead. The Tigers offense struggled again on the next drive but Beechwood's defense was stout all game long, a trait that became the core of Noel Rash's success at Beechwood. Brady Slusher blocked a punt that turned into a safety to make it a 28-23 deficit. That put energy and momentum back on the Tigers side as they took the short field on the ensuing kickoff and promptly went 41 yards in 3 plays with the big play a 36 yard catch by Slusher. Tommy Bankemper scored his second rushing TD of the game and the Tigers added a two point conversion to make it 31-28 in favor of the Tigers. And the crazy back and forth Q3 wasn't finished yet. LCA went 3 and out, punted and special teams struck again. Player of the Game Ryan Amelung returned the punt 62 yards and suddenly BW was up 38-28. I will note here there were a couple crushing crack back blocks on that punt return that don't happen under today's rules, but they sure got an oohhh and aahh from the crowd at that game.
It looked like Beechwood had taken control as we head to Q4. LCA said not so fast. LCA QB Lucas Witt hit star WR Brandon Burdette for a 49 yard TD pass and with 11:08 left the Eagles had trimmed the deficit to 3 points, Beechwood leading 38-35. This game looked like it was headed towards a 50-49 final after all that back and forth. However, things got tight as Beechwood put their energy into the Noel Rash defense and clock management to try and hold on. It looked like that strategy was going to fall short. LCA mounted a long drive and took the ball down to a first and goal situation with about 5 minutes left. LCA had a tank of a RB named Dominique Hayden, who had speed to go with size. Beechwood kept him in control most of the game but he was definitely the threat in this goal line series. On 3rd and goal at the 2, the BW defense stuffed Hayden. That set up 4 and goal at the 1. Timeout. What is the play? Should they kick the FG to tie it with 4 minutes left? It is an extra point kick at this range. You have Hayden. Surely BW couldn't stop him a second time from a yard out? What is the decision? LCA Coach Paul Rains was always a go for it type of coach and that is what he did here - going for the win! Now, what's the play? Hayden again? Fake to Hayden and let QB Witt have a run pass option? Here we go! It is a pass and INTERCEPTED! Beechwood's Neico Teipel with the pick in the end zone!
But wait, we aren't done yet. Still 4 minutes left. Can Beechwood run out the clock? The LCA defense is able to hold the Tigers to one first down. They get the ball back with over 2 minutes left and the ball at their own 40. Plenty of time to at least get into FG range with their offensive weapons. Can they find a crack in the BW defense? BW defense forces a big loss on a screen play making it long yardage. LCA forced to pass. Incomplete on 3rd down bringing up another 4th down. Another interception on 4th down. This time it is Joe Daniels with the interception for Beechwood to seal the win!
What a game!