By Andy Warrener
The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) football team won the first playoff game ever Nov. 16, and also picked up some Hillsborough County history as well.
The Patriots (10-1) held on for a 24-12 victory against Moore Haven in the Class 2A regional semifinals. The win was helped by senior running back Robert Davis’ 232 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown.
The rushing total makes the University of Cincinnati commit the county’s all-time leader in career yards. Davis has 5,460 yards for his career, 141 better than the previous mark set by Riverview’s Avious Steadman.
Davis was honored with the game ball and gave credit to his offensive line.
“Those guys opened holes for me all night, all season,” Davis said.
The Terriers (9-2) went blow for blow with CDS in the first half and entered the locker room tied 6-6.
The jet sweep run game of Moore Haven gave the Patriots fits in the first half. CDS defenders were living in the Terrier backfield, but the slippery backs and receivers proved difficult to bring down.
The Patriots turned things up in the second half to earn a spot in the final eight.
“This really puts us on the map as a program, beating a 9-1 team, scoring a third of the points they’ve allowed all year,” said CDS coach Lane McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said they needed to start running at the speedy backs to prevent them from getting to the edge. The Patriots corrected that mistake and held Moore Haven to three yards total on its first five drives of the second half.
Davis, who is still hindered by a midseason knee injury, hurt his hand in the second half. He came out of the game but was not about to miss much time.
“I asked Robert if he could go,” McLaughlin said. “He said, ‘Coach I’m alive. I can go.’”
Two rushing touchdowns by quarterback Vidal Woodruff put CDS up 24-6. The Patriots ended with 243 rushing yards on 54 carries.
CDS plays at Naples First Baptist Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. for a spot in the final four.
Wharton falls at Dr. Phillips
The Wharton football team had its season ended at Orlando Dr. Phillips for the second straight season, falling 28-15 Nov. 16 in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals. Wildcats (8-3) junior quarterback Chase Litton threw for a program-record 411 yards in the loss.
