Jenkins earns first state title game berth with win over Grovetown

Jenkins Warriors celebrate after defeating Grovetown to advance to the GHSA DIV II state title game

While the 2024 season was a historic one for the Jenkins Warriors flag football team, their exit from the Georgia High School Association state championship tournament came early than they hoped for after they were eliminated by Greenbriar in the semifinals, their first trip in program history to the final four round.

On Monday, the Warriors surpassed that mark while making history for the second year in a row as they defeated the Grovetown Warriors 27-7 to advance to the GHSA DIV II state championship game for their first title game appearance in program history. "This is a big deal," Jenkins head coach, Brianna Brooker said of the Warriors' first championship game appearance.

"We made history last year by getting to the final four. To fall short last year, but to make it this year, it's sweeter," Brooker said as she spoke on the feeling the Warriors had after Monday's wins, which started with defeating the Therrell Panthers 34-0 to set up the semifinal matchup with Grovetown, who handed Jenkins their only loss of the season back in October.

"You know, the regular season is cool but, we want to get our wins when they matter and right now they matter because we're in a win or go home situation," Brooker said of the Warriors mindset heading into Monday night's game, explaining that while the Warriors remembered the 7-6 loss, their focus was on taking care of the business in front of them regardless of the opponent.

As for the matchup itself, Grovetown would get the first score of the game as their first possession would end successfully with a Madison Wintrode rushing touchdown, followed by the extra point would give them a 7-0 first quarter lead. On the ensuing Jenkins possession, quarterback I'yarna Lee would throw her first touchdown of the game finding Samone Ray as Jenkins would tie the game after the successful extra point attempt.

Forcing Grovetown to punt on their next possession, Jenkins would once again make their way down field and finish the drive with Lee tossing a pitch to Ke'Are Jones helping Jenkins take a 13-7 lead. Keeping momentum on their side in the third quarter, Lee would throw her third touchdown of the game as she would connect with Iycess Scott, leading to a 19-7 Jenkins lead.

On the ensuing Grovetown possession, the Jenkins defense would make a game winning stop as A'Nyah Browner would intercept Josalyn Sergant's pass and return it for a touchdown help seal the victory for Jenkins as they picked up the 27-7 win. "Their grit, their tenacity, their willingness to face adversity and not shrink when it comes. Just showing up in big moments," Brooker said of her players' performance on Monday.

Jenkins will take on Greenbriar, who eliminated them in the semifinals last season, on Monday at 11:00am at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.