Willow Spring entered the flag football playoffs with an unbeaten record, but Middle Creek handed the Storm their first loss of the season in the second round of the playoffs on Thursday night.

The two teams battled to a scoreless tie through 40 minutes of regulation and two overtime periods. Finally, in the third overtime, Middle Creek scored to claim a 1-0 win over Willow Spring.

Mia Anderson connected with Sienna Huffman in the end zone in the third overtime period, but Willow Spring still had a chance to tie. Skye Owens tipped Storm pass away in the end zone though, securing the win for the Mustangs.

There were several close calls in regulation. Late in the first half, Willow Spring got to the 1-yard line, but Middle Creek’s defense had a big goal line stand as the two teams entered halftime tied at 0-0.

The Mustangs took the first drive of the second half down to the 1-yard line of Willow Spring, but Zoe Little intercepted a Middle Creek pass in the end zone to end the drive.

Late in the second half, Middle Creek’s defense came up with a second goal line stand with two minutes left, giving the offense one last shot at winning in regulation.

Middle Creek advanced the ball into plus territory with 16 seconds left, then got the ball to the 7-yard line with three second left. Middle Creek’s last play was down at the 2-yard line though, which led to overtime.

Holding Willow Spring scoreless was no small feat. The Storm averaged 35.3 points per game during the regular season and only scored less than 30 points three times.

Middle Creek will advance to the third round to face Cardinal Gibbons after the Crusaders beat Leesville Road 25-6 on Thursday night. The third and fourth round games will be played on Dec. 4, but the location for the games has not yet been announced.