For much of this season, Tee Woods has been known for his offensive prowess as the Central Christian Academy quarterback.

Woods showed what he can do on defense Friday night, blocking a last-minute field goal attempt as the Warriors held on for a 22-21 victory over Cornerstone Academy.

Woods’ block capped an incredible comeback by the Warriors, who rallied from a 21-7 halftime deficit to improve to 7-2 on the season.

“I’m proud of these kids and how they came back,” Central Christian coach Dayton Dawkins said. “They showed a lot of heart and character.”

The Warriors nailed down third place in the AISA Class 1A West division. They will close out the regular season next Friday at Taylor Road.

Cornerstone appeared well in control, opening a quick 7-0 on a long scoring pass play.

But the Warriors came back with a 5-yard scoring run by fullback Simuel Walker and extra point from Bryan Sanders to knot the game at 7 with just over 3:00 left in the first quarter.

Cornerstone took the lead again when a pass slipped through the hands of a CCA defender and to Cornerstone receiver Jamal Prentiss, who scored to make it 14-7. Cornerstone would add another touchdown pass before halftime to extend its lead to 21-7.

“We had been playing good pass defense until (Friday night),” Dawkins said.

The Warriors would answer in the third period when Woods connected with Eric Curtis on a 40-yard scoring throw to make it 21-14.

Walker scored his second touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter when he broke loose for a 2-yard run. Curtis added the two-point conversion and the Warriors grabbed a 22-21 lead with about six minutes to go.

The touchdown gave the Warriors the lead, but also left Cornerstone with plenty of time to rally. After neither team was able to move the ball on their respective possessions, Cornerstone got possession with 3:50 to go.

Cornerstone appeared in deep trouble, facing a fourth-and-20 situation. But a long pass play to the CCA 20 gave Cornerstone a first down with under two minutes remaining.

Cornerstone again converted on fourth down with a completed pass inside the CCA 1. But the Warriors’ defense tightened and kept Cornerstone out of the end zone on three consecutive plays, setting up the field goal try.

Woods thwarted the field goal when he rushed straight up the middle and through the Cornerstone offensive line to block the kick.

The victory was a dramatic one for the Warriors, but left Dawkins with some concerns.

“Our passing defense was a big concern,” he said. “We’re going to play some teams in the playoffs that are going to throw the ball. We gave up too many big pass plays tonight.”

Along with his defensive gem, Woods rushed six times for 44 yards and completed 8-of-18 passes for 182 yards.

Curtis finished with 81 yards rushing on 11 carries, while Walker had 13 rushes for 63 yards.

Curtis also reeled in five catches for 99 yards. Bradley Savage caught three passes for 46 yards.

The CCA defense was led by Walker with eight tackles. Woods, Curtis and Antonio Atkins added five tackles and three assists apiece.