First Coast High School- After a 30-0 victory over Fletcher by Mathew Gilbert Middle School in the first week of the season, not many expected these two teams to see each other at the end of the season playing for the Duval County Middle School Championship. Well, not many except the coaches from Gilbert and the coaches from Fletcher that is. These two Duval County Middle School powerhouses have the utmost respect for one another, so when they met Tuesday night for the Middle School Championship it was no surprise to them. They both came out determined and on a mission, but only one could eventually be crowned champion.
Fletcher vs Gilbert 2016 @DCPSMS Championship matchup @DuvalSports @MWGAthletics @FHSBeachrats pic.twitter.com/pgQqWLMzt0
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) November 22, 2016
Early on in the contest both teams felt each other out. A gridiron chess match between the two very talented coaching staffs who were very familiar with each other’s systems left the score tied 0-0 after the first quarter. Fletcher was able to assert themselves in their trademark running game driving deep into Gilbert territory. However Fletcher would come away with no points in the first quarter as Gilbert’s defense held strong on a two goal-line stands in the game.
Panthers 1st goaline stand of the game. 2 total @DuvalSports @MWGAthletics pic.twitter.com/0fiGTmZBx3
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) November 23, 2016
Gilbert started very slow on offense as penalties and turnovers plagued the Panthers. It would be the opening Fletcher needed as they capitalized on those mistakes late in the second quarter. #23 Josh Davis surprised Gilbert with a touchdown pass to #16 Jeff Davis to put Fletcher up 8-0 going into halftime. It was the type of play they stunned everyone seeing that Matthew Gilbert had not trailed in a game all year.
#23 Josh Davis hits his twin bro #16 Jeff Davis with .3 in the half on 35yd TD pass. Senators 8-0 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/OANbOeSZBj
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) November 23, 2016
In the second half Fletcher continued where they left off asserting themselves in the running game. With just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter Fletcher would score again this time on a #14 Lamar Beard touchdown run giving Fletcher a 14-0 lead. It was an impressive start for the defending 2015 champions. It showed incredible pride and preparation to attack at team that defeated them in week one 30-0. An upset was seemingly in the making as Fletcher looked in total control of the game. That’s until Gilbert woke up.
Gilbert Middle huddling during the water break @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/aG9QlGeD3U
— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) November 23, 2016
Down by 14 with their season on the line the Panther playmakers stepped up big. Cobie Bates took off on a 35 yard scamper setting up Christopher Johnson on a short touchdown run. They would convert on a two point conversion by Kevontr Doles as Gilbert clawed within six points. 14-8 in the third quarter.
Gilbert cuts into Fletchers lead off a one yrd TD run by Christopher Johnson. PAT is good. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/2qmp4reOj0
— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) November 23, 2016
Enthused with momentum and confidence the Gilbert defense shut down the Fletcher offense in the 4th quarter getting the ball back in the hands of their offensive weapons. With quick strike precision, Gilbert let loose an offensive barrage for the record books. They scored 30 unanswered points, including 22 points in the fourth quarter alone. Touchdowns from Kevonte Doles of 40 yards, Cobie Bates of 50 yards and a Larry Tould late touchdown ensured the Gilbert victory 30-14.
Bates 45yd td run. Doles 2pt Gilbert 16 Fletcher 14 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/HIqJNqiVmr
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) November 23, 2016
The fourth quarter domination by Gilbert was truly impressive because they had never trailed so late in a game before. These excellent group of kids showed character, heart and resolve being placed in an unfamiliar and desperate situation and responding with everything they had. When the pressure was on Mathew Gilbert truly responded like champions, and that’s why they swept the city on the way to another City Championship.
TD Fletcher by #3 Larry Tould for Gilbert . Gilbert leads 30-14 over Fletcher with 47 seconds to play pic.twitter.com/Z7A6oF7L9q
— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) November 23, 2016
Congratulations to Fletcher Middle School as the City Runner-Ups, and Congratulations to Mathew Gilbert Middle School being crowned City Champions!
Gilbert sweeping to the championship @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/S5SUhOhUlW
— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) November 23, 2016
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