Patriots dominate homecoming game
By Kyle LoJacono
Staff writer
CARROLLWOOD — Carrollwood Day Prep is still a newcomer in 11-man football, but it managed to dominate Winter Haven All Saints’ Academy 54-0 to stay a perfect for the season.
The victory was the third home shutout for the Patriots, who have outscored their opponents 206-22 and have not allowed a point at home.
“Everything has been going so well and I just can’t believe this is happening, because I’ve been waiting my whole life for this,” said Darius Bing, who rushed for more than 200 yards.
Billy Embody echoed Bing’s sentiment.
“We are just working together really well,” Embody said. “We have to keep working, because it won’t mean anything if we don’t keep playing hard and winning.”
The Patriots (5-0) scored on their opening drive. Bing, who ran it in from 27 yards out, added three more rushing touchdowns, including one for 80 yards, and scored again on an interception return.
Embody threw two touchdown passes, one to Matt Monteilh and the other to Deuce Gruden. Monteilh also had a 37-yard punt return for a score for the only points in the second half.
“I’m so proud of the players,” Carrollwood Day Prep coach Lane McLaughlin said. “They didn’t get too distracted by all the homecoming festivities. Now we need to get ready for (Orlando) First Academy.”
SICKLES 31, BOCA CIEGA 28 (OT): While turnovers have been Sickles’ biggest problem this year, it was a turnover that led them to an overtime win against Boca Ciega. The Gryphons have thrown five interceptions and given up 16 fumbles, including two more against the Pirates. But Sickles’ Chris Nahat intercepted a pass from Shaquille Bradford that set up the game-winning field goal.
Sickles was facing a 22-7 halftime deficit, but made a comeback on the arm and legs of John Melvin Hendrick, who threw a touchdown to Nahat and ran for another. Brieann Dollard added two more rushing touchdowns.
Hillsborough County leading rusher Carey White did not find the end zone for Sickles, but had 132 yards on the ground.
WHARTON 27, BRANDON 25: Wharton held off a fourth-quarter comeback by Brandon to pick up the road win. Wharton was up 27-12 entering the final quarter and stopped a game-tying, two-point conversion to seal the win.
Wharton’s Shane McEwen had a rushing score and 80 total yards, while Ryan Hatter ran and threw for two more scores. Marvin Murray caught that touchdown and David Larry ran for a 39-yard score.
TAMPA BAY TECH 21, FREEDOM 3: Freedom scored on a 46-yard field goal, but could not change the scoreboard after. The Patriots had a chance to score just before halftime, but Tyler Guy was intercepted by Greg Hickman.
Offense was hard to come by for Freedom, which managed just 28 yards rushing and 133 passing. T.J. Mutcherson had four catches for 48 yards.
PLANT 49, GAITHER 0: Gaither was shut out for the second straight week. Last week, the Cowboys lost 68-0 against Hillsborough before falling to Plant.
Gaither’s offense was thought to be the weak link coming into the season, but the Cowboys have scored just 25 points on offense.
Plant got four touchdowns from Phillip Ely, who passed for 221 yards.
ST. PETE CATHOLIC 40, STEINBRENNER 10: After going 2-0 in junior varsity play, Steinbrenner has lost its first two varsity contests.
The Crusaders opened the scoring on an interception return by Julian Smith and added another in the second half by Evan Holmes that put the game out of reach.
Steinbrenner’s Christian Carriere passed for 135 yards passing and one score, while Tobi Antigha had five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.
