Atlanta, GA – In a game that more than lived up to the billing, the Creekside Seminoles outlasted Benedictine in a dramatic 42–39 victory to claim the Georgia Class 4A State Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fueled by explosive runs, timely responses, and late game composure, Creekside held off a relentless Benedictine comeback in front of a phenomenal atmosphere.
First Half: Benedictine Answers After Early Creekside Surge
Creekside struck first in the opening quarter when Gary Walker capped off an early drive with a 30-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Seminoles a 7–0 lead. Benedictine responded by getting on the board with a 28-yard field goal, trimming the margin to 7–3. Creekside quickly regained momentum behind quarterback Cayden Benson, who broke loose for a 50-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 14–3. The Seminoles continued to lean on their ground attack as Ced Kelley punched in a 7-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the advantage to 21–3 and putting Creekside firmly in control.
However, Benedictine refused to fold.
Quarterback Stephen Cannon sparked the Cadets’ comeback with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Eron Mallard, cutting the deficit to 21–10. Cannon struck again later in the half, connecting with Stanley Smart Jr. on a 34-yard touchdown pass, pulling Benedictine within striking distance at 21–16. Benedictine closed the half with a surge, scoring 21 unanswered points overall to take a 24–21 lead into halftime, flipping the script and setting the stage for a second-half showdown.
Second Half: Creekside Responds, Benedictine Fights Back
Creekside came out of the locker room determined to reclaim control. Early in the third quarter, Cayden Benson delivered once again, ripping off a 47-yard rushing touchdown to swing the momentum back in the Seminoles’ favor. Following a score correction, Creekside led 35–24. The Seminoles weren’t finished. Ced Kelley broke through for a 35-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 41–24 and putting Creekside within reach of a championship celebration.
But Benedictine had one more push left.
After Jon Black intercepted a Benson pass and returned possession to Benedictine at their own 15-yard line, Cannon capitalized with a 48-yard touchdown strike to Eron Mallard, cutting the deficit to 42–31. In a pivotal moment, Creekside elected to go for it on fourth down but turned the ball over on downs, giving Benedictine prime field position at Creekside’s 22-yard line. The Cadets took full advantage as Larson Little powered in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, bringing Benedictine within 42–39.
Despite the late surge and mounting pressure, Creekside’s defense stood tall in the closing moments, preserving the narrow lead and sealing a championship victory.
A Championship to Remember
When the final whistle sounded, Creekside emerged victorious with a 42–39 win, securing the Class 4A State Championship in unforgettable fashion. The Seminoles’ explosive rushing attack, led by Cayden Benson and Ced Kelley, proved to be the difference in a game filled with momentum swings and clutch performances.
In front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium and two passionate communities, this title game delivered everything fans could ask for, and etched the 2025 Creekside Seminoles into Georgia high school football history.
