Alma Bryant Clinches Historic High School Football Playoff Spot
The Hurricanes defeated Davidson 24-21 to secure their first playoff appearance in over a decade.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football
Alma Bryant secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2013 after edging out Davidson in a 24-21 victory. RJ Gardner scored the decisive 6-yard touchdown run with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock.
Why it matters
The win marks a significant turning point for the Alma Bryant football program, ending a 13-year playoff drought. The victory ensures the team will participate in the Class 6A postseason.
RJ Gardner scored the winning touchdown on a 6-yard run with 20 seconds left. Makai Vongsengphachanh finished with 93 passing yards on 3 of 10 attempts in the effort.
The players
RJ Gardner
He is an Alma Bryant player who scored the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds.
Makai Vongsengphachanh
He is a quarterback for the Alma Bryant football team who led the team to the victory.
Kingston Butler
He is a Davidson player who caught a 47-yard touchdown pass during the game.
Dominik Powell
He is an Alma Bryant athlete who scored on a 2-yard touchdown run.
The details
Alma Bryant overcame a 21-17 deficit following a late touchdown from Davidson, executing a 44-yard pass from Vongsengphachanh to Kaleb Burrell before the winning run. Davidson remained winless on the season after failing to score on two final passing attempts with 12 seconds left.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: Alma Bryant defeated Davidson.
2013: The last time Alma Bryant previously reached the playoffs.
October 30, 2026: Davidson plays its final regular season game.
Season Trajectory
Alma Bryant is now expected to enter the Class 6A playoffs as the fifth seed after clinching their first postseason spot since 2013. This win reshapes the regional standings and provides the team with critical momentum heading into the tournament.
Alma Bryant secured the fifth seed for the upcoming Class 6A playoffs with this win. Meanwhile, Davidson concludes its season next week with an 0-9 record, having been eliminated from playoff contention.
The takeaway
Securing a late-game win demonstrates the importance of situational play in tight high school contests. Coaches often emphasize the final two minutes as the most critical time for executing game plans.
What happens next
Davidson is scheduled to play B.C. Rain on the road on October 30, 2026.
Further reading
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