It’s remarkable how much can change in six seconds.

Meridian football (10-3) ended a record-breaking season on Friday, losing 13-7 to Brentsville (11-2) on a last second, walk-off, if-you-blinked-you-missed-it touchdown by Brentsville running back Bryce Jackson.

The Region 3B Championship was sure to go to overtime. Until, somehow, it didn’t.

With 6.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Brentsville quarterback Caleb Alexander found Jackson, who just kept running. He cut through the defense, confounding players and spectators alike, scoring for a 51 yard touchdown as time expired. 

Meridian was in their first regional championship game since 1972 on a frigid night on the turf. The wind chill, down to 25 degrees, made it difficult to hold onto the ball, leading to several fumbles and dropped kick returns.

Both defenses held their own all game, with both teams only allowing a single touchdown until the end. The first quarter ended scoreless. Brentsville scored first with 9:55 remaining in the second quarter on a 28-yard play on 4th down and 3. The half ended with Brentsville in the lead, 7-0.

Towards the end of the third quarter, Meridian’s offense set up their scoring drive. Quarterback Evans Rice found George Papadopoulos for a large gain after a fumble recovery, setting up Griffin Harrison’s 8-yard touchdown run with 10:36 remaining in the game.

Until the end of the game, both defenses prevented further scoring. Meridian recovered two fumbles in the fourth quarter but failed to score on either drives. Brentsville then drove down to midfield as time was about to run out, leading to Jackson’s big play.

When Meridian reached the regional championship game in 1972, they lost to Lexington, 41-8. This season, the Mustangs matched the 1972 season for as far in the playoffs as the school has ever reached.

According to Head Coach Adam Amerine, the key to success this season was experience. 

“Having 22 experienced seniors helped,” Amerine said. “So did good team chemistry. The team worked hard.”

“[I look forward to] getting back out there in August and trying to repeat the success we’ve had from this fall,” he added.