In a defensive struggle, the Valwood Valiants struck first in overtime and beat the Frederica Academy Knights 7-6 in St. Simons on Friday night.
Following a pass from Caleb Burns to Jaheim James to get the Valiants inside the 10-yard line, Willie Roberson punched it in from six yards out to put the Valiants ahead 7-0 in overtime.
After forcing the Knights into a critical fourth down play, the Valiants thought they sealed the game with an interception but were called for roughing the passer on the play.
On the next play, the Knights punched into the end zone to make it 7-6 in overtime. Deciding to go for it, the Knights went for the two-point conversion but Eli Joyner came up with the game-clinching tackle on a jet sweep to preserve the victory.
The Valiants host Notre Dame in their home opener next Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Goddard Field.