As it turns out, there actually wasn’t enough hype for the showdown between two-time reigning Tennessee state champion Lipscomb Academy and Alabama’s Class 6A champion Saraland Spartans.

In a game televised by ESPN and played in front of a crowd that numbered more than the 4,003 official seating capacity at Spartan Stadium, Saraland’s aggressive defense stole the show for most the night.

Then, Alabama commit Ryan Williams, Mr. Football as a sophomore a year ago, gave the people what they came to see, scoring on the first play of overtime to help secure a 31-30 win. Lipscomb answered with a touchdown in overtime, but the extra point attempt was wide left, ending the game that lasted more than three hours.

“We earned our respect tonight,” said Saraland junior defensive tackle Antonio Coleman, who was probably the most dominant player on the field that was filled with SEC-level prospects on both sides. “We were gassed at the end, but we practice in this Alabama heat. We were ready for it.”

The Saraland defense had every right to be running on fumes late in the game. The Lipscomb offense held the ball for all but nine seconds of the fourth quarter. Saraland ran one play to open the quarter, then didn’t get it back until a kneel down with five seconds left. In between, the Mustangs rallied for an improbable comeback to send the game to overtime.

Saraland had the ball and led 18-14 to open the fourth quarter. A fourth-down pass in the end zone was incomplete, turning the ball over to the Mustangs. A quick three-and-out led to a punt that was blocked by Saraland’s Jamison Curtis.

But Lipscomb picked up the ball behind the line of scrimmage and alertly advanced it for a first down. Nine plays later, Lipscomb faced a fourth down at the Saraland 13. Quarterback Deuce Knight attempted to reach the ball for the first down. It was knocked free by Cam York and scooped up by Curtis for a 78-yard touchdown return.

The 24-14 lead with 4:54 remaining seemed to be safe considering how well Saraland had played on defense. But Knight, the four-star junior prospect, began moving the Mustangs with his legs and his arm. Lipscomb had to settle for a 29-yard field goal with 1:45 remaining to cut the lead to 24-17.

Lipscomb then got the onside kick and moved quickly to the game-tying score with 10 seconds left on Knight’s 16-yard scramble.

In overtime, Williams lined up at quarterback and scored around left end on the first play. Lipscomb answered with a touchdown on its first play, but the kick sailed wide left to end the game.

Play of the Game: The battle between Williams and Tennessee commit Kaleb Beasley was worth the price of admission. Beasley was spectacular, returning an interception 25 yards for a touchdown. But Williams made plays as always. His 50-yard catch and run for a score in the third quarter was breathtaking. Williams finished with seven catches for 88 yards, plus the rushing touchdown.

By The Numbers: Lipscomb (now 0-2 after losing to IMG Academy last week) rushed 29 times for 125 yards. Knight completed 11 of 32 passes for 168 yards for a total of 293 yards. KJ Lacey, the Texas commit, completed 20 of 32 for 199 yards for Saraland.

Game ball: Curtis said he dislocated his shoulder on the blocked punt but remained in the game to score the crucial touchdown.

Coachspeak: “Our offense has gotten a lot of publicity, but our defense will get after you. They did that all night tonight.” — Saraland coach Jeff Kelly

They Said It: “This was an incredible game and an incredible atmosphere. We knew it was going to be a tough fight, which it was.” — Lipscomb Academy coach Kevin Mawae.

Next week: Saraland will travel to Ladd-Peebles Stadium for face the Murphy Panthers.