One more step: DeLand Bulldogs head to Citrus Bowl

BEACON FILE PHOTO
On their way — The DeLand High School Bulldogs are on their way to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, after beating Apopka 20-7 Friday night, Dec. 11.

By Roger Gilmore
BEACON SPORTS EDITOR

posted Dec 12, 2009 - 6:50:37pm

One more step: That's the story for the 2009 DeLand High School football team, as they prepare this week for their first-ever gridiron appearance in a Florida High School Championship game in any classification.

That next step comes Saturday night, Dec. 19, at 7 o'clock in the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, when the 'Dogs will line up against Miramar on the heels of their Dec. 11 triumph over the Apopka Blue Darters on Roger Williams Field before an overflow crowd.

The 20-7 victory over Apopka was the Florida Class 6A semifinal action, which also saw Miramar hold off Miami Central for a 21-14 victory. Both the finalists will enter their showdown Dec. 19 with 13-1 records.

Once again Friday, it was the awesome defense and the rushing attack that key the Dogs to their victory. The Blue Darters hit the scoreboard quickly when Tom Smith bolted 37 yards for an early first-quarter score. The PAT made it 7-0.

After that, the dogged DHS defense slammed the door on the Blue Darters, shutting down their offense to a mere 100 yards on the ground, and 47 through the air for the night.

Deante (Pop) Saunders handled the ball from the quarterback slot, and rambled for a pair of TDs of four and 13 yards, giving the Dogs a lead they never gave up.

Cramps sidelined Saunders in the third period, but he quickly returned. However, with 6:43 to play, he went down again with and ankle problem, and departed for the hospital on crutches after the victory was iced. No report was available on his condition at this time.

In the second half, Shontrelle Johnson, the area's leading ground gainer, took over the workload, including a nifty cutback 27-yard touchdown effort that sealed the victory for sure.

Between the last two TDs, the DeLand Big D drove a Blue Darter back into the end zone for a two-point after, which loomed big at the time. Eldrick Bright, Shawn Willis and others kept the Blue Darters nailed in the end zone.

Another big factor in the win were three great punts by sophomore Ryan Rodwell, who bottled up the Blue Darters at their one twice, and their four another time.

Certainly another factor for the victorious team was their rabid fans, who overflowed the visitors' stands and lined the fence several feet deep as well. They were cited by Head Bulldog Kevin Pettis after the game, as they chanted "STATE, STATE, STATE, STATE" while he talked. The coach's praise also extended to his players, coaches, the cheerleaders, and the band members who followed their Dogs.

In other action, it was Glades Day winning the Class 1B title game in overtime, 27-20, and Manatee bested Saint Thomas Aquinas, 28-20. In Class 4A, it was Niceville over Edgewater, 30-7, and Dwyer besting Armwood, 41-15. Class 3A action saw Pensacola shut out St. Augustine, 20-0, and Miami Belen Jesuit get past Lake Wales, 21-14.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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