Phillip O. Berry finishes runner-up in inaugural NCHSAA 1A-6A flag football state championship

HICKORY, N.C. (WBTV) - A tremendous run in the first-ever flag football state playoffs came up just short in the title game for Phillip O. Berry.

The Cardinals battled down to the final possession, but fell to Roxboro 21-14 at Moretz Stadium on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University in the NCHSAA 1A-6A state championship.

Berry entered halftime tied 7-7 before falling behind 14-7 after a pick-six from the Bulldogs in the third quarter.

Then Laila Monroe orchestrated a touchdown drive with four minutes left in the game to tie the score at 14-14.

However Katie Mann and the Bulldogs responded by marching down the field to take the lead for good with under two minutes left.

Mann was named the game’s MVP for finishing with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown, 82 passing yards, and an interception returned for a touchdown in the win.

Berry was led by Monroe’s 139 passing yards and two touchdowns. Annabella Hall was on the receiving end of one of those scores and finished with a game-high 106 receiving yards.