By Kyle LoJacono
Zephyrhills Christian Academy had failed to get past the semifinals of the six-man football league the last three seasons, but the squad broke through with a 52-50 overtime win against Clearwater Academy International Nov. 5.
The Warriors (12-0) scored on a 53-yard touchdown run by junior running back Josh Roberts with 29 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. Roberts scored again on a 15-yard run on Zephyrhills Christian’s first position of overtime to take a 52-44 lead.
Clearwater (11-2) answered with a touchdown on its first drive of overtime, but eighth-grader Mikey Smith broke through and blocked a game-tying extra point attempt and ended the game. Kicks after touchdowns in six-man football count for two points.
Mikey, who is also the team’s quarterback, had one word to describe the feeling when he blocked the attempt.
“Hallelujah,” Mikey said. He then added, “It’s amazing to help the seniors get to the championship game in their last year. I didn’t want the season to end for them.”
The Knights had converted every extra point kick before the last one.
The game was the closest for the Warriors all year. They had beaten their opponents by a combined 532-66 including a 72-27 win against Elfers Christian in the quarterfinals. Clearwater Academy was last year’s state champion and offered more of a test.
“Most of our games have been easy for us, so to come out here and face a team like this was very hard,” Roberts said. “We actually got scored on and got down a little bit, but we fought back.”
The Warriors led by 10 in the third quarter and it looked like they might run away with the game when junior Jacob Ferrington got an interception. The Knights forced a turnover on downs on the ensuing drive and then scored to get within two points. They took the lead later on another touchdown, forcing Roberts to make the big play near the end of regulation.
“It was hard, but we just didn’t quit,” Roberts said. “We were up for most of the game and they just kept coming back and we had to fight back ourselves to get this game … When I was running for that touchdown I was just thinking Lord help me please. Just let me get through and score.”
Roberts has been one of the biggest contributors for the Warriors all year. He not only had the last two touchdowns for Zephyrhills Christian, but also completed a pass to senior Joel Mobley on a two-point conversion in overtime that was the winning margin.
“I’ve never played in a game this tough before,” Mobley said. “Never in my life have I played a game this intense and this close.”
Roberts finished with 306 rushing yards on 29 carries and four touchdowns. Mobley chipped in another four scores and 60 yards rushing. On defense, junior linebacker Dale Smith Jr. had a pair of sacks.
Warriors coach Mike Smith also gave credit to senior Sean White for helping on the offensive line.
“I have to give it up for Sean White,” Mike said. “He hadn’t played offensive line all year. He did in past years and he’s the one who had the block that sprung Josh for that touchdown to send us to overtime. He stood out to me this night.”
The Warriors will play for the program’s first state title Nov. 12 against undefeated Lakeside Christian High.
