COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — In dramatic fashion, Collierville rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure a 2-1 victory over Houston and capture the 2025 Region 8-AAAA championship Saturday at Patriot Bank Park.

The Diamond Dragons, who opened the season with a school-record 17-0 start, had dropped both regular-season matchups against the Mustangs. But after rebounding to win the District Tournament, Collierville added the regional title to its resume — though it didn’t come as easily as the district final, where they rolled past Houston, 13-2.

Trailing 2-0 entering the final frame, Harrison Snell sparked the comeback with a leadoff single. A miscue on a pitcher fielding practice (PFP) play by Houston put runners on first and second. Jack Bogenrief then executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position.

JD Whitworth brought Collierville back to life with a sacrifice fly that tied the game. AJ Greene followed with a walk, and Brody Winemiller was hit by a pitch to load the bases. That set the stage for Cael Allen, who laced a walk-off single through the six-hole, igniting a jubilant celebration and a water cooler shower for the Delta State signee.

Bradley Stubbs was outstanding in relief, earning the win after tossing 3 2/3 hitless, walk-free innings while striking out three. Chandler Day took the loss and the blown save for Houston.

Collierville (34-8) advances to host Rossview in a best-of-three sectional series beginning Wednesday. Houston (28-13) defeated White Station, 6-1, Saturday night in the runner-up game and will travel to Clarksville this week for a sectional series. The sectional winners earn a spot in the state’s Elite Eight at the Spring Fling in Murfreesboro, May 20-23.