ATHENS – Damontes Dowell hauled in a TD pass in overtime and Devante Thomas picked off Kilgore College’s attempt to force another OT as No. 5 Trinity Valley defeated the No. 12 Rangers 48-41 in the SWJCFC championship on Saturday at Bruce Field.

TVCC (10-1) won its third league title in four years and advances to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl on Dec. 3 in Copperas Cove. The Rangers (6-4) were attempting to win their second straight championship.

Trinity Valley kicker Caden Novikoff booted a 21-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining to tie game at 41-41.

The Cardinals got the ball first in OT and Dowell snagged a 7-yard TD pass from Michael Curtis. After Novikoff’s PAT, TVCC led 48-41 – the Cardinals’ first lead since a 28-27 advantage with 11:34 to go in the third quarter.

Kilgore went on top 7-0 on the first play from scrimmage when Troy Burnett returned an interception 30 yards for a TD.

Eventually, KC took a 27-21 halftime lead.

Former Canton High School star QB Chandler Eiland scored on three TD runs for KC – 1, 6 and 12. His last touchdown gave the Rangers a 41-31 lead in the final period.

TVCC pulled within 41-38 on Jalen Guyton’s 9-yard TD pass from Shelton Eppler with 5:57 on the clock.