NEW ALBANY - Alex Harrison made the first field-goal attempt of his career a memorable one.

The junior, playing his first year of varsity football, booted a 42-yarder as time expired to lift New Albany to a thrilling 22-20 win over previously unbeaten North Pontotoc on Friday.

The Vikings, ranked No. 5 in the Daily Journal's large school rankings, had gone ahead 20-19 on a two-yard keeper by Caleb Mills with 16 seconds remaining.

Harrison's kick moments later provided a stunning finish for the Bulldogs (6-2, 2-0 in 2-4A), who had lost two of three matches at Kitchens Field heading into the division contest.

"This is a group of kids that believes in each other and every game it's somebody different stepping up and getting it done," said New Albany coach Ron Price, who guided the squad to a 12-1 record and a 4A North quarterfinals finish last season. "Hopefully, this will get folks talking about New Albany again. I think we are just as good as we were last year. We're just not as pretty as we were last year."

The kick by Harrison, who plays forward and goalie for the soccer team, capped a hurried drive which started with only 12 seconds remaining. Spencer Day completed two quick passes to Josh Creekmore to move from their 40 into field goal range with only one-tick left.

Day, a junior, finished with 8 of 12 passing for 120 yards and two TDs.

Harrison's older brother Sonny was an All-State kicker for the squad two years ago. Last night, it was the younger Harrison who made the big boot.

"When (Price) asked me to kick, it was like asking me to carry water on the field. I couldn't believe it," Harrison said. "Somehow it made it through tonight."

New Albany's Boston Newsome surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season with 17 carries for 102 yards. Mills completed 13 of 23 for 184 yards and ran for two TDs for North (7-1, 1-1), which trailed at halftime (13-6) for the first time this season.

"I told my guys all week that you can't look at records, and that these guys were good," said North Pontotoc coach Brian Sutton. "They had a great scheme and it took us a while to adjust to it."

Click here for photo gallery by C. Todd Sherman of the game.