Gators roll to 28-0 win
In their first varsity season, the Island Coast Gators are proving their strong showing last year as freshmen was no fluke. They earned their first home field victory Friday night, a 28-0 decision over St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep.
Led by a swarming defense and a balanced offensive attack, the Gators dominated the Chargers from start to finish.
The Gators took control when the Chargers muffed a punt at midfield. Sophomore Phil Woolbright scored on a 36-yard run, putting the Gators up 7-0.
There was more scoring to come in front of a large homecoming crowd.
Island Coast (2-1) made it 13-0 on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Nelson Candelario to Aaron Lynch.
Shorecrest had its chances, but fumbles and overthrows hurt the offense. The Chargers fumbled three times in the first half and also on some wide open pass plays the ball was either thrown too far or dropped.
The Candelario-to-Lynch connection struck again on a 36-yard touchdown late in the half. Xavier Whitter scored on the conversion, making it 21-0.
In the second half, Whitter and Lynch led a strong defensive effort. The Chargers’ offense was under pressure throughout, and in the third quarter, Whitter registered sacks on back-to-back plays. He finished with three total sacks.
The Gators went to the power running game and Lakieth Williams capped a drive with a one-yard run, stretching the lead to 28-0 entering the fourth quarter.
“The offense and defense both played good and we got the win,” Candelario said. “That’s all that matters.”
Back and forth possessions were the story in the fourth quarter as the Gators’ Aaron Lynch went over 100 yards receiving.
Shorecrest Prep 0 0 0 0 — 0
Island Coast 7 14 7 0 — 28
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
IC — Phil Woolbright 36 run (Kyle Fitzgerald kick)
Second Quarter
IC — Aaron Lynch 15 pass from Nelson Candelario (kick failed)
IC — Lynch 36 pass from Candelario (Xavier Whitter run)
Third Quarter
IC — Lakieth Williams 1 run (Fitzgerald kick).