Providence Academy needed more than 48 minutes to finish a dramatic 28-27 overtime win at Concordia Academy on Friday.

Now the Lions hope to build on the momentum from the memorable victory on a crisp fall evening.

The Providence Academy (4-2) defense finished the win when Concordia Academy ran the ball on a two-point conversion at the end of the overtime period. The defense stood up the ball carrier short of the goal line, ending a game where no lead seemed safe.

The Lions’ offense overcame their own challenge in the first half of the overtime, facing a third and long situation after a holding penalty. But quarterback Eddie Dossantos bought time before finding receiver Charlie Willihnganz for a 17-yard touchdown on a fade route. Kicker Ryan Hutt followed with what ended up being the game-winning extra point.

The win felt like a step forward for an inexperienced offense now gaining confidence with each week of the season.

“We started off the season rough," said Willihnganz, who is a junior. "There are a lot of new starters, including myself. We’ve figured some stuff out, and we’re getting better every day.”

Providence Academy head coach Colin Rooney said the offense brought in new starters at nearly every skill position when the season started. After starting the season 2-2, the Lions hope their momentum keeps building through the rest of the fall.

“There’s no way to coach experience," Rooney said. "I think we’re going to launch from this point."

Concordia Academy head coach Bob Wolf did not second guess the team's decision to go for the two-point conversion and a win at the end of Friday's overtime. The sentiment was echoed by Providence Academy's Rooney, who pointed out he would have made a similar decision.

“When you are the last one to have the ball at that moment, and you just had a huge play to get in, you just want to take advantage of the momentum," Wolf said.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the 2022 season is trending in a positive direction for the No. 9-2A Beacons. Friday dropped their record to 5-1, still well ahead of last year's 2-7 mark.

Many of the players on this year's roster gained experience as injury replacements on the varsity team last year, and it had paid off in the five-win start.

“We’ve got a lot more experience, and a lot of guys have come back with playing experience," Wolf said. "At our level, when you are a 2A school, you just don’t have the depth of numbers. So this is huge for us, and we’re as strong as we’ve ever been.”

Providence Academy needed more than four quarters to pull out a wild 28-27 win at Concordia Academy Friday.

Facing third-and-long, Quarterback Eddie Dossantos found wide receiver Charlie Willihnganz for a 17-yard touchdown reception to put the Lions ahead in the first half of the overtime. An extra-point kick by Ryan Hutt pushed the score to 28-21.

The Beacons responded when Kellen Quast rushed six yards to the endzone in the second half of the overtime.

With Concordia Academy (5-1) deciding to go for two points, the Lions' defense came up with the play of the game, stopping the runner short of the line and sparking a celebration with teammates from the sidelines.

Nick Brunn scored two touchdowns, one rushing and one passing, to lead the No. 9-2A Lions to a 21-21 tie at the end of regulation. Josh Ortiz also scored one rushing touchdown.

Josue Riley rushed for two touchdowns in regulation for Providence Academy (4-2), with Stormy Knight also scoring once on the ground.