The DeLand Bulldog gridders march on!

By Roger Gilmore
BEACON SPORTS EDITOR

posted Dec 7, 2009 - 11:27:16am

That was the story Friday night, when the ’Dogs once again used rugged defensive play, and the running talents of senior Shontrelle Johnson, to handle the hosting Winter Park Wildcats, 27-13, and capture their first-ever regional title.

The victory, the 12th in 13 games for the ’Dogs, vaulted them into the Class 6A semifinals Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Apopka against the 12-1 Blue Darters, who blanked Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, 7-0.

The other two teams in the semifinals are Miramar, a 34-0 victor over Miami Dr. Krop, and Miami Central, a 25-7 winner over Homestead South Dade.

Friday night's winners will tangle in the Orlando Citrus Bowl at 7 p.m. Dec. 19.

After the Wildcats scored in the opening quarter, the ’Dogs responded with 27 unanswered points before the hosts added their second TD late in the game.

S. Johnson was the game's workhorse, with 29 carries for 255 yards and touchdowns of 67 yards and four yards. Achim Johnson added another 6-pointer from 14 yards out, while quarterback Deante "Pop" Saunders bolted for another with a 14-yard effort. The ’Dogs found Hunter Haire for extra points, while the ’Cats contributed a safety.

Defense again was super for DeLand, limiting the ’Cats to a mere 40 yards on the ground, with 141 passing yards for both TDs, on super wet and muddy field conditions. The hosts completed nine of 17 passes, which was expected to be their major game threat.

Check our next publication Thursday, Dec. 10, for more of a rundown on the game, which featured another solid backing of Bulldog fans, and the scores from the other playoff classifications.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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