The Jags struck early on defense as Rory Payton snagged an interception and returned it all the way to the house for a pick-six. After another defensive stop, Spain Park added to its lead on offense thanks to Jenna Kate Hutchison’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Abby Whatley.
That put the Jags up 13-0, but Vestavia stormed back. The Rebels got on the board with 4:04 remaining in the second quarter to make it a one-score game at the half, and they knotted it up at 13-13 in the opening minutes of the third with a goal-line touchdown pass.
Spain Park fought back and went up with 2:35 left in the third as Hutchison hit Nylah Calhoun with a 10-yard touchdown pass. However, Vestavia broke up the conversion pass, leaving the lead at just six points.
That proved crucial as the Rebels set out on the game-winning drive. Vestavia quarterback Julia Rose gave Alexis Rubin her 53rd touchdown catch of the season with 4:48 left, and Caroline Nintzel added the conversion on an acrobatic grab to put the hosts up 20-19.
From there, the Jags got two chances to get into the end zone and win the game, but the Rebels stopped both drives to advance to the state title game.
Spain Park ends the season with a 15-6 record and has now reached the semifinals in both seasons of official championship play for girls flag football.
After saying goodbye to multiple five-year seniors, including the graduation of quarterback Hutchison, Payton and Ja’Skylar Simpkins, the Jags will return a young core of skill players led by freshman Chenelle Hunter as well as Calhoun and the sophomore Whatley.