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Hardy caught touchdown passes of 40, 47 and 20 yards as the Yellow Jackets built a 21-9 lead at halftime.

"I just kept my head up and worked hard the past two weeks," Hardy said. "It's just hard work, concentration and dedication."

Gwynn Park (11-0) extended its lead to 28-9 on its first possession of the second half when running back Khalek Shepherd broke free for a 33-yard touchdown run. But the Yellow Jackets' offense stalled the remainder of the half, which allowed McDonough to get back into the game.

Rams' quarterback Byron Campbell scored on a 50-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion to end the third quarter, cutting Gwynn Park's lead to 28-17.

Gwynn Park helped McDonough get back in the game on its next possession when a shotgun snap went over quarterback Marc Lucas' head and into the end zone. McDonough's Devante Gray recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Campbell to Brian Keys that made it 28-25.

Yellow Jackets' coach Danny Hayes said his team made too many mistakes against McDonough. But that was probably expected since Monday was the first time Gwynn Park played a game in 16 days. The Yellow Jackets were awarded a forfeit for their last game of the regular season when Crossland canceled the final two games.

"We made a lot of mistakes, and we pretty much gave them every point they had," Hayes said. "But McDonough just kept fighting and that's the reason why football is so great."

McDonough had another chance to take the lead, but turned the ball over on downs at the Gwynn Park 40-yard line. The Rams were close to getting the ball back again as they forced Gwynn Park into a third and long situation. But Lucas found Johnny Norris for a 20-yard gain, which allowed the Yellow Jackets to run out the clock.

Lucas completed 9 of 17 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Hardy had 103 yards receiving, while Norris added 113 yards on four receptions. Shepherd rushed for 71 yards on 23 carries and added a reception for 15 yards.

Now the Yellow Jackets turn their attention to rival Frederick Douglass in the 2A South Region finals. The Eagles beat Glenelg, 24-12, in the other 2A South semifinal on Friday. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday at Gwynn Park High School. Gwynn Park defeated Douglass in their meeting earlier this season, 35-14, but the Eagles were without starting quarterback Richard Barber, who missed the game with a foot injury.

"It's going to be another good one and we are trying to keep everything down here in Prince George's County," Hayes said. "We got to play another good team and that's what the playoffs are all about."

Gwynn Park 28, McDonough 25

McDonough 9 0 8 8 - 25

Gwynn Park 14 7 7 0 - 28

M – Keith McCauley sacked quarterback in end zone for safety

M – Byron Campbell 10 pass to Devanta Stamps (Davario Barksdale kick)

G – Marc Lucas 40 pass to Curtis Hardy (Lord Carson kick)

G – Lucas 47 pass to Hardy (Carson kick)

G – Lucas 20 pass to Hardy (Carson kick)

G – Khalek Shepherd 33 run (Carson kick)

M – Campbell 50 run (Campbell run)

M – Devante Gray recovered fumble in end zone (Campbell pass to Brian Keys)

Rushing Leaders: Gwynn Park – Khalek Shepherd 23-71. McDonough – Byron Campbell 11-58; Derrick Joseph 4-52, Lonnell Wilson 5-18.

Passing Leaders: Gwynn Park – Marc Lucas 9-17-0 235. McDonough – Byron Campbell 8-22-1 121.

Receiving Leaders: Gwynn Park – Curtis Hardy 3-103, Johnny Norris 4-113. McDonough – Javarrus King 3-49.