Sometimes life can turn on a single moment, when one choice leads to another, leading you in a dramatically different direction than you might have otherwise been.

The same is true in football, and Jordan found that out first hand in a third-round playoff game at Cleveland Friday night.

For most of the first half, the Falcons stood toe-to-toe with the top seeds on the road. In fact, they led, 21-13, in the final minute of the first half and were faced with a fourth-and-four situation inside the Rams’ 40-yard line.

Had Jordan coach Antonio King chosen to punt, Cleveland would have probably been backed up on its own 20 with 35 seconds or so before halftime. Instead, he was aggressive, dialing up a pass play that was well covered.

The Rams got the ball back on their own 38 with 42 seconds left, and 37 ticks later, Jackson Byrd hit Malachi Thomas with an eight-yard touchdown pass. A two-point conversion tied the game 21-21 at intermission.

Cleveland (13-0) got the ball to start the third, scored again, then got back-to-back defensive touchdowns from Cameron Melvin and Theron Batiste to put the game out of reach.

It finished 48-28, Cleveland, but turned completely with one decision and one play.

What it means: Cleveland hosts Rolesville, a 44-6 (!) winner over Richmond County, on Friday in the 4A East semifinal.

Stat pack: