Football Recap: Ali Foster and Malachi Character Lead the Defense for Upson-Lee Win

It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but Upson-Lee ultimately got the result they hoped for on Friday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Mary Persons Bulldogs, sneaking past 17-14. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Knights have posted since November 1, 2024.

Nicholas Wells was his usual excellent self, rushing for 60 yards and a pair of scores. That's the most rushing yards he has posted since back in October of 2024. Jy Garmon helped out on the ground, rushing for 101 yards.

Malachi Character

Total Tackles

09/26/25 vs Mary Persons	15
09/19/25 @ Whitewater	15
09/12/25 vs Sandy Creek	7
09/05/25 vs Spalding	5
08/22/25 vs Manchester	12
+ 13 more games

Upson-Lee didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Ali Foster and Malachi Character. Character is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made five or more in each of the last 18 games he's played dating back to last season.

Upson-Lee's win bumped their record up to 4-2. As for Mary Persons, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 3-2.

Looking ahead, Upson-Lee will challenge Troup County at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Knights will need to watch out since the Tigers have now posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season. As for Mary Persons, they will face off against Trinity Christian at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Bulldogs will be up against the Lions' rather soft defense (which has allowed 26.67 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.