Coming off the program’s first state title a year ago, Pope flag football was met with uncertainty after graduating four of its top players.

Now preparing for a return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Tuesday’s D3 championship against Pace Academy, a new wave of Pope standouts have paved the way.

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The Greyhounds (25-2), led by head coach Kevin Fraser, enter their final game on an 18-game winning streak. In the state playoffs, Pope has outscored its opponents 90-19, including a 31-6 victory over Milton in the Final Four.

For Fraser’s team, filling the absence of all-time greats has been more than impressive.

“Last year we won the state championship, but had four all-state players that graduated,” Fraser said. “Going into this season, we had a lot of new faces – good athletes but a lot of new faces. We had to replace the two best receivers in school history. So, we had some question marks, but we’ve just continued to get better. Our two losses came early in the year, and we were still learning things about our team. We’ve now won 18 in a row, and I think that streak shows how this team has come together.”

Led by an explosive offensive tandem, Pope has raced its way to another dominant year.

“Our quarterback Abbey Bensman has 81 touchdown passes which is just amazing,” Fraser said. “Our offensive player of the year Addie Daughtry has been awesome. She’s definitely one of the best receivers in the state, but she also plays great defense. She’s an all-around stud. Sarah Gentry has been great, too. She’s got the school record in a season and a career for interceptions. She’s always at the right place positionally. Sarah is so reliable back there and has really gotten better over her four years.”

Fraser and company hope the offensive prowess continues against a 21-3 Pace team. For the Greyhounds, the opportunity to return to Atlanta to play for the title is the culmination of many months of hard work.

“I think it will give us a little bit of an advantage that some of our players played in this game last year,” Fraser said of last season’s 14-13 state final win over Allatoona. “They’ve been here, played in this game and were successful in it. I think the leadership of our players will help keep us calm at the moment. I’m confident that we won’t be afraid of the moment. We’re thrilled to be able to play there. I mean, what an opportunity to get to play at the Falcons’ stadium. It’s awesome that they have partnered with flag football and we get the chance to do this. As much as our girls are excited for a chance at winning state again, I think they’re equally excited to go play in Mercedes-Benz again. It’s an awesome opportunity for us and we’re very excited.”

Tuesday’s championship game kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting.