JACKSONVILLE – The University of Georgia Bulldogs withstood a 14-point fourth quarter rally by the Penn State Nittany Lions, including a last-chance Hail Mary pass, to win a 24-17 decision in the annual Taxslayer Bowl game played January 2 at Everbank Field in Jacksonville.

On the field for the Bulldogs were John and Nathan Theus, of Pace Island, who both played at the Bolles School under coach Corky Rogers before continuing their football in Athens. John Theus, a senior, has anchored the Bulldog offensive line as a tackle with an AP Honorable Mention All-Southeast Conference selection last year and a nomination for this year’ preseason All-SEC team.

Nathan Theus, also a senior, has been the Bulldogs long snapper on punts since 2012.

At the Taxslayer Bowl, Georgia scored first on a 44 yard field goal with Penn State answering with their own on their first offensive series. Georgia scored two touchdowns in the second quarter; a 44 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Terry Godwin to widout Malcolm Mitchell and a 17 yard scoring pass from quarterback Greyson Lambert to Godwin to put the Bulldogs up 14-3 at the half.

In the third quarter, Bulldog running back Sony Michel, known well to Clay High football fans when he was running back at American Heritage in the 2013 Class 5A state championship won 66-8 by Heritage, scored from 21 yards out.

In the fourth, Penn State answered with two scores; a 17 yard pass play and a 20 yard pass play before quarterback Trace McSorley sent a last second pass to the end zone that was knocked down to end the game.