By Kyle LoJacono
The last few months haven’t been the brightest in the storied history of Land O’ Lakes football.
The Gators had their 14-year playoff streak snapped in November and later had to forfeit all games the last two years after an internal investigation found an ineligible player had participated since 2009.
Land O’ Lakes exercised some frustration by scoring on its opening possession and never trailing through the third quarter against Fivay May 25 to win the varsity portion of the spring game 16-12.
“I feel like we were starving,” said junior outside linebacker/wide receiver Kyle Forchion. “They took away our everything last year. We came out and showed who we are and that we’re not just going to quit. We were just going to power through all the trouble and the other stuff to get back where we should be and where we want to be.”
Pasco County spring rules make programs play their junior varsity teams in the fourth quarter. The Falcons got two touchdowns in the final period to win 25-22, but first-year Gators coach Brian Watchel saw what he was looking for from his starters.
“I’m proud of my kids,” Watchel said. “They flew around and gave everything they had. I’ve got great coaches, which is a big reason why we were successful tonight.”
The Gators got the varsity win despite missing opportunities on both sides of the ball.
Freshman quarterback Ethan Weilant completed 12-of-20 passes for 162 yards but had two throws partially deflected into the hands of Fivay defenders. Both interceptions came in the third quarter and deep in Falcon territory. Land O’ Lakes also missed a 23-yard field goal.
On defense, the host Gators forced three turnovers and kept Fivay from converting on fourth down twice but allowed nine plays of 15 yards or more.
“That’s why these games are so valuable,” Watchel said. “It’s a great game, gives tons of experience and we got lots of reps out there. Get to go out there and execute and hit somebody else instead of banging against ourselves for four weeks.”
Junior running back Harrison Wood was an all-purpose threat for Land O’ Lakes, gaining 141 total yards including touchdown runs of 12 and 18. Weilant found six different receivers in only his second varsity start.
“I was impressed with (Weilant),” Wood said. “His composure, the way he threw the ball on the run. He looks good.”
The offensive line was dealt a blow a few weeks ago when starting center John Kranendonk tore the ACL in his right knee in the Gators’ intrasquad game. The junior is hopefully he will return for his senior campaign with aggressive rehab after surgery.
Moving to center is Frank Hegedus, who slotted over from right guard. The revamped line helped Land O’ Lakes gain 239 yards through three quarters.
“The offensive line did really well getting a push off the line to give (Wood and Weilant) room,” Watchel said.
Forchion stood out on the defense, picking off a pass on Fivay’s first possession and blocking a punt that resulted in a safety with 5:37 left in the third.
“I was really feeling the intensity of the game,” said the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Forchion. “Everybody came out to play and we just wanted it more in the third quarter.”
Fellow linebacker Colin Irwin clinched the varsity win with an interception in the end zone as time expired in the third.
The Gators next challenge comes against Anclote at home Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. for their kickoff classic. Land O’ Lakes hosts its regular season opener versus Zephyrhills Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
