WESTSIDE – Have you ever experienced small town ball in the big city? That’s exactly what Old Plank Christian Academy provided as they advanced to their first eight-man state title game in the programs history beating the Hernando Christian Academy Lions 26-12 at home Friday night.
None the less, the rules for 8-man football are not all that different from 11-man football that we see on a regular basis. Punts are welcome and after a score, the team is able to go for an extra point at the 1-yard line or go for 2 points from the 7-yard line. But one thing doesn’t change and that is the physicality and the toughness of the players as both teams got downright dirty as they fought hard all night.
The Defenders offense was much more run based as they ran much of the game and with plenty success. Quinton Sterling was a barreling back that was seldom denied yardage as he powered through tackles. For a guy of his size, he kept his feet churning the entire time he was running the ball which is the sign of a good back and good coaching.
Quarterback Daniel Bosque kept the Hernando defense honest, making them account for his runs while catching the defense off guard, as he was able to score a touchdown on a run as well.
While receiver and safety John Kilpatrick was a security blanket for Bosque as he was able to rely on him in the passing game and explosive plays when he needed them.
Hernando offense was run heavy as well but they were also able to make something happen through the passing game with the help of Deontae Judd. He was best receiver for the Lions with several big catches and one touchdown. Let’s not forget a spectacular grab by Devin Chichester in the last moments of the game to make the score more respectable.
Old Plank defense was the best unit on the field tonight as they flew to the ball and made great plays all game stopping the run. The Defenders defense led by Austin Trout, had only given up 44 points a game all season, while holding teams to an average of six points per game.
It always helps as well when you have the better scoring defense in the game as well as Old Plank defense set the tone early accounting for a fumble recovery in the beginning of the game to put the Defenders up by one score from the start.
Kilpatrick scooped and scored on a 25 yard fumble return to give Old Plank an early 6-0 lead in the game.
Deonte Judd tied things up at 6-6 with a touchdown reception on the ensuing drive.
However, the Lions had no answer for stopping fullback Quinton Sterling, who bullied his way in for a score putting the Defenders back on top 13-6 on the final play of the first quarter.
An interception put the Defenders inside the 9 yard line with a chance to go up two scores before the half.
However, an altercation between two players got a bit heated and both were ejected as well as an Hernando assistant coach. Following the lengthy delay, play resumed with the Defenders knocking on the door again.
The Lions defense held them out of the end zone as the first half came to a close and the Defenders leading 13-6 at the half.
Kilpatrick scored again this time on offense on a 42 yard pass from Bosque increasing the lead to 19-6 midway through the third quarter.
Bosque added a 30 yard keeper for another score and 26-6 lead as the Defenders extended their lead and began to realize they were playing for a state title.
Devin Chichester hauled in a late pass for another score cutting the lead to 26-12 late in the fourth quarter but it was to little to late.
Old Plank recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to preserve the historic win and send them to the state championship next week.
Quite an accomplishment for a program only seven years old and that has been steadily making progress going from 1-9 in 2014, to 4-6 in 2015, to 8-4 losing in the semi-finals last season to now 8-0 this season and playing for its first ever state championship.
Old Plank (8-0) advances to their first ever state title game to face the Land O’Lakes Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (10-1) next Saturday at Southeastern University in Lakeland.
