Darryl Flemister III caught the game-winning two-point conversion as the Crusaders survived a back-and-forth battle that needed two overtimes to decide.
By Caleb Bushell | DVS Lead Reporter
ORCHARD LAKE, Mich. — Detroit King and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s traded touchdowns, defensive stands and momentum swings deep into overtime before the Crusaders finally found a way to end it.
With the score tied at 42 in double overtime, Darryl Flemister III caught the decisive two-point conversion to give King a dramatic 44-42 victory over the Eaglets.
It was the final play of a game in which neither team could put the other away.
St. Mary’s Erases King’s Fourth-Quarter Lead
King carried a 22-16 advantage into the fourth quarter, but St. Mary’s quickly turned the game back into a fight.
Wide receiver Chad Willis (#5) caught a touchdown pass to tie the game at 22. The Eaglets attempted to take the lead with a two-point conversion but were unable to convert.
King later faced fourth-and-10 and was forced to punt, giving St. Mary’s another opportunity.
The Eaglets appeared to capitalize when Brandon “BJ” Adams Jr. (#11) caught a touchdown pass over the middle, but a holding penalty wiped the score off the board.
St. Mary’s eventually punted, keeping the game tied.
Defense Forces Overtime
King regained possession around its own 30-yard line but turned the ball over on downs with 1:35 remaining, giving St. Mary’s a late opportunity to win in regulation.
The Eaglets opened the possession with a big run and later converted a fourth-and-2 through the air to extend the drive.
But with only eight seconds remaining, King’s defense came through with a crucial sack.
St. Mary’s followed with an incomplete pass, and although King appeared to intercept the final play of regulation, neither team had put points on the board.
After four quarters, the score remained 22-22.
Overtime was next.
One Play, One Touchdown — Twice
St. Mary’s wasted no time.
The Eaglets scored a touchdown on their first play of overtime, taking a 28-22 advantage. However, the ensuing two-point conversion failed.
King’s response was nearly identical.
The Crusaders scored a touchdown on their first offensive play, tying the game at 28.
That gave King an opportunity to win with the extra point.
St. Mary’s blocked it.
28-28. Double overtime.
Neither Team Backs Down
King opened the second overtime with a touchdown pass, putting the Crusaders back in front 34-28.
This time, King successfully added two when Amir Forris (#2) caught the conversion, extending the lead to 36-28.
St. Mary’s responded yet again.
The Eaglets scored on a quarterback run before converting a close two-point attempt at the goal line.
Once again, the game was tied.
36-36.
St. Mary’s later found the end zone on another rushing touchdown to take a 42-36 lead, but the Eaglets were unable to add the extra points.
That missed opportunity left the door open.
King walked through it.
Flemister Finishes It
Facing another six-point deficit, the Crusaders answered with a touchdown of their own to make it 42-42.
Rather than extending the game any further, King put the outcome on one play.
The Crusaders went for two.
Flemister made the catch.
Game over.
King had survived, 44-42, after two overtimes and a fourth quarter in which St. Mary’s repeatedly threatened to take control.
The Eaglets had opportunities to win it. King had opportunities to win it. Neither side went away.
Ultimately, the difference was one final two-point conversion — and Flemister delivered it.
FINAL: Detroit King 44, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 42 (2OT)
Detroit Varsity Sports was on-site for the matchup. Stay with DVS for highlights, postgame interviews and more coverage from The Varsity Report.
