PLANTATION PARK – As the clock wound down, a huge celebration occurred on the sideline, only this time it wasn’t coming from the usual sideline, it was coming from the Sebastian side.
For the first time in two years, the Eagles were finally victorious after pitching a second half shut out in a 32-20 win over Liberty Pines Wednesday night at Plantation Park.
A year after going winless and starting out 0-2 this season, the new coaching staff of all former St. Augustine High players under legendary coach Joey Wiles, could see a change in the Eagles this season and were not surprised at all.
Early on it appeared it was the same old Sebastian out there, as the defense gave up three first half touchdown passes from Riley Trujillo (10 of 12 for 138 yards) and trailed 20-14 at the half.
That’s when the Eagles coaches made the necessary halftime adjustments that completely changed the outcome of the game and stop the 11 game plus losing streak
Deion Smith was moved to defensive end to utilize his speed and put constant pressure on Trujillo and it worked as Smith was consistently in the backfield harassing him and throwing off his game holding the Wolves to no completion in the second half.
Mason Stevens and Bryant Vlickey celebrate the big win tonight for Sebastian. pic.twitter.com/jcKqpKWozw
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) September 6, 2018
After the defense forced a quick three and out and took advantage of a terrible Wolves punt downed at the 18-yard line, the Eagles single wing offense went to work as Mason Stevens broke off a 13 yard run on the first play to put the Eagles inside the five. Three plays later, quarterback Bryant Vlickey scampered 3 yards on a keeper tying the game at 20-20 midway through the third quarter.
Liberty took over for their second possession of the half, little did they know it would be the last time they would touch the ball. Trujillo was sacked by Smith for a 10 yard loss and Smith forced two hurry up incomplete passes to force another three and out.
Stevens busted off runs of 7 and 9 to put the Eagles inside the 25 yard line to start the fourth quarter as the momentum swung towards the Eagles. The Eagles also shifted a lot during the game which made the Wolves defense jump offside numerous times allowing the Eagles to sustain even longer drives and kill the clock.
Four plays into the fourth quarter, Stevens broke free for a 5 yard score putting the Eagles ahead 26-20 midway through the fourth quarter.
Ethan Miller fielded the ensuing kickoff and made his way to midfield before fumbling the ball away from behind giving the Eagles the ball back at the 44 yard line. That was the last time the Wolves touched the ball.
Stevens gutted the defense twice and Vlickey caught the Wolves off guard with a huge fourth down throw across the middle to put the Eagles inside the ten. Mark Harvey rumbled in from a yard to put the Eagles ahead 32-20 in the closing seconds of the game.
The first half was just the opposite as Sebastian and Liberty Pines went back and forth early on.
After seeing Sebastian take an early 8-0 lead on its second possession, the Wolves responded as Trujillo hit tightend Jake Kallner on a fourth and goal play cutting the lead to 8-6 early in the game.
Stevens 2 yard run put the Eagles ahead 14-6 early in the second quarter.
Trujillo capped a 8 play, 90 yard drive with a 15 yard strike to Jack Creamen and then Kallner for the two point conversion tying the game at 14 all.
Liberty Pines recovered the onside kick and took advantage of the short field as Trujillo found Miller on a diving catch on fourth down to give the Wolves their first and only lead of the game at 20-14 just before half.
“This team has fought so hard and we made several halftime adjustments some personal changes and we took away their offense,” a jubilant Sebastian head coach Austin Lee said. “These kids have been so thirsty for a win, this will be a huge confidence boost especially at school and at practice. They believe me now. ”
Quite a difference from last year when the Eagles fielded about 17 kids per game and were manhandled each week.
“I went into the school and into the hallways and had to beg kids to play,” Lee said.
They won’t be begging anymore.
Swiss Point 8, Valley Ridge 7
For 31 minutes the game between Swiss Point and Valley Ridge was quite boring and full of turnovers; but that quickly changed in the span of a minute.
Deadlocked in a scoreless tie with about a minute remaining in the game, it appeared both teams were headed for the first overtime game in years; but that quickly changed.
After forcing a quick three and out, Valley Ridge forced Swiss Point to punt from its own endzone, Camryn Smith broke through the line and blocked the punt and fell on the ball to give the Hawks a shocking 7-0 lead with 1:05 left in the game.
Camryn Smith blocks the punt and scoops it for a score to give Valley Ridge a 7-0 lead with 1:05 left in the game. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/WGeHd1HPVW
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) September 5, 2018
Just like that Valley Ridge began celebrating on the sideline, while Swiss Point was in utter shock on its sideline.
That would change.
Perhaps it was a premature celebration.
Taylor Rhodes connected with his receiver for a 27 yard gain on first down to move the Raiders down to the 33 yard line with 15.5 seconds left in the game.
A play later, Rhodes was picked off inside the ten, which should gave ended the game, but as the defensive back was coming down he fumbled the ball away and into the hands of Raiders Jessie Murrell.
With new life, taking over at the 8 yard line, the Raiders drew the Hawks offsides to put the ball at the 4 yard line with four seconds remaining.
Rhodes kept the ball on a designed keeper and found a hole to score cutting the lead to 7-6 on the final play of the game.
Swiss Point (3-0) elected to forgo the tie and go for the win as Rhodes handed off to Jacob August who bulldozed his way for the winning two point conversion and 8-7 win for the Raiders.
Scoreless game ends with a flurry as Valley blocks a punt for a scoop score and Swiss answers on QB keeper and wins on a two point run from Jacob August. Swiss beats Valley Ridge 8-7. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/SCGAQ4iJmP
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) September 5, 2018
August, who broke his hand three weeks ago, played through out the game primarily on defense but came in on offense when his team needed him the most. After the play August was seen holding his hand crying in pain after the game but happy he lead his team to the win.
Quite opposite of the first 31 minutes which saw multiple fumbles and turnovers and penalties through out the game, including two Raider drives end inside the 20 late in the first half and late in the second half with four minutes remaining.
Barn burner, here at Plantation Park, Valley Ridge and Swiss Point tied 0-0 at half. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/M00KSHxE8H
— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) September 5, 2018
Gamble Rogers 26, Patriot Oaks 0
The defending county champion Gamble Rogers Stingrays used a balanced offensive attack to top the Patriot Oaks Chargers 26-0 for their third straight shut out to start the season.
“It was a great night, I’m proud of everyone,” said Gamble Rogers head coach Matt Potak.
Quarterback Noah Lawless connected on two touchdown passes with tight end Frankie Morabito in the first half. Zander Martin also scored on a 15 yard run, giving the Stingrays an 18-0 halftime lead.
“The passing game really clicked,” Potak said. “Noah (Lawless) and Tomas (Jones) made good throws through out the night and the offensive line was dominant.”
In the third quarter, Jones connected with Julian Quintero on a 6 yard touchdown pass to close the game out at 26-0.
Quintero also had an interception on defense, while Jones had several big runs at both the quarterback and tailback positions.
Defensively, the Stingrays had their third straight shut out of the season as they forced three Chargers turnovers in the win.
“Our defense is the strength of our team, they play fast and physical,” Potak added.
Gamble Rogers (3-0) takes on Valley Ridge (0-3) next week.
Murray 26, Landrum 20
In a battle of unbeatens, Murray (3-0) remained undefeated still with a huge 26-20 win over Landrum (2-1) Tuesday night.
Fruit Cove 20, Pacetti Bay 13
After back-to-back losses to start the season, the Fruit Cove Flyers finally got back in the win column with a 20-13 win over Pacetti Bay.
SJMSAA Finals
Gamble 26, Patriot 0
Fruit Cove 20, Pacetti 13
Sebastian 32, Liberty 20
Swiss Pt 8, Valley 7
Murray 26, Landrum 20— Corey Davis (@ByCoreyDavis) September 6, 2018
