By Kyle LoJacono
Gaither High’s defense forced six turnovers and recorded six sacks in a 20-7 victory against Plant City High, giving its fans a gift on homecoming night.
The Raiders (4-3) came in averaging 31 points and more than 400 yards per game, but were held to less than 300 yards by the Cowboys (3-4).
“Our defense is a veteran unit,” said Gaither coach Mark Kantor. “They stepped up and gave our fans a great homecoming win.”
Gaither quarterback Shug Oyegunle got the Cowboys on the board in the first quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Carlo Perello. Senior Joel Paredes added an 86-yard kick return and sophomore Dalton Gilson added field goals of 19 and 22 yards.
Senior defensive end Chadd Hannah had six tackles, one sack and forced a fumble. He received the first scholarship offer for Gaither Oct. 14 from Rutgers University. Junior linebacker Josh Scarberry had 13 tackles, three sacks, one interception and recovered a fumble in the win.
“Anytime you can get turnovers and give your offense a short field it helps,” Kantor said. “They can’t score if you keep taking it from them. Guys like Chadd Hannah, Josh Scarberry, Levon Brookins, Max Paulter, Xavier Wynn, Angel Alvarez and really everyone on the defense stepped up.”
Kantor said he has seen the team’s energy improve in practice during the last few weeks. Last week they lost to defending Class 5A state champions Plant High by only eight points and just knocked off one of the top Hillsborough County teams in Plant City.
“Last year we won just one game and we had to get the kids expecting to win again,” Kantor said. “Now they know they can play with anyone. Now we have to keep building and win our district games to get into the playoffs.”
Gaither will travel to Class 5A, District 5 rival Chamberlain High Oct. 22. The loser is eliminated from playoff contention.
-All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches as of Oct. 18.
