Homewood’s Maddie Massie has scored more than 100 goals in her career and may have been the most ecstatic player on the pitch following a winning goal from teammate Suzanna Busbee with less than four minutes remaining and a championship on the line.

Busbee’s late goal secured a second straight title for the top-ranked Patriots in a 1-0 victory over No. 4 Montgomery Academy in Saturday’s Class 6A title match at Huntsville’s John Hunt Park.

“We knew we were up against a good team and we knew it would go all the way,” Homewood coach Sean McBride said. “It’s hard to describe. You’re ecstatic for your team and relieved, but it’s great.”

Homewood (23-5-1) commanded the pace for the majority of the game, outshooting Montgomery Academy 15-5, with Massie leading the Patriots with six shots – three on goal. Sunny Ferren picked up four shots, two on goal, followed by Sophie Lowery with two shots.

The Patriots led 3-1 on shots in the first half, and 12-4 in the second period, but neither team scored in the first 76 minutes of action until Busbee took advantage of a high pass from Mary Siena McBride, who was named MVP after scoring two goals in the semifinal match and assisting on the title-winning goal.

“I just saw an open space in front of the goal and Suz was right there to fight for it,” McBride said. “I knew that was our best chance heading toward extra time.”

Busbee and Montgomery Academy goalkeeper Norah DeSautels battled for the ball off the pass and Busbee won the quick skirmish and prodded the ball into the untended net. Busbee finished with two shots on goal, including the game-winner.

“It was a 50-50 ball, Suzanna ran in there and showed a lot of bravery and determination to get to the end of it,” McBride said. “She was just as surprised as anyone else. Whether you play 80 minutes or you don’t go on the field, you’ve got to be ready. She typifies that.”

Montgomery Academy (17-4-1), which won nine titles in a 20-year span, moved up to Class 6A this season after winning all of its championships on the 1A-5A level. Hayes Jenkins led the Eagles with three shots, but only one on goal, and DeSautels registered six saves.