Gators escape Lightning 29-28
The Lehigh Lightning were the invited guests for homecoming at Island Coast Friday night. They very nearly spoiled the party.
Riding the powerful arm of quarterback Kory Curtis early and the powerful legs of runningback Antonio Greaves down the stretch, the host Gators held on for a 29-28 victory.
Both teams showed signs of nervousness, but Curtis and the Gators composed themselves first. Following an exchange of possessions, Island Coast took the ball at their own 48 yard line, Curtis took a three-step drop and rifled the ball down middle of the field to receiver Marlon Gaymon in the end zone for a 52-yard score. Curtis, who is also the kicker, then added the point after for a 7-0 Gator lead.
Lehigh attempted a little trickery, but their fake punt attempt was stopped short and Island Coast took over on the Lightning 36. Curtis wasted no time. On the first play, he threw a laser beam to wide receiver Drew Lusk for his second touchdown pass of the game. The kick failed and the score remained 13-0 through the first quarter.
It looked as though if Lehigh was going to stay in this game they would need a big play somewhere. Up stepped the special teams and defensive end Rahkeem Jacques-Louis. Virtually untouched, Jacques-Louis blocked the punt attempt and hustled to dive on the ball at the Gator 10. Quarterback Delshawn Green found Shyheem Jacques-Louis in the end zone on a 10 yard strike to pull within 13-7.
Curtis again found Gaymon free down the left sideline for a 51-yard gain. On first-and-goal from the 8, Greaves scored untouched to take a 20-7 lead.
Lehigh coach James Chaney elected to gamble, and on fourth down and eight Green lined up in punt formation only to throw a quick sideline pass to Cortavious Kelly for a 30-yard completion. Two plays later, tailback Jalane Nelson ran in for a seven-yard score, to trail 20-14 at the half.
Lehigh began the third quarter strong. It was the Green to Jacques-Louis connection that made the big play. A play action 62-yard bomb together with the extra-point gave the Lightning their first lead at 21-20.
On the next series, Curtis connected with his receiver only to see the ball juggled and picked up by linebacker Jacquez Brown, who ran it 15 yards for another Lehigh touchdown.
The Gators came back via a Curtis-to-Gaymon connection as the pair hooked up for a 50-yard gain. Again it was Greaves finishing the drive with a punishing 10-yard run. Island Coast attempted a two-point conversion, but the ball was intercepted in the end zone. Lehigh held onto a 28-26 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Island Coast coach John Schwochow put the ball in the hands of Curtis and Greaves. The tandem accounted for every yard of a 4 1/2-minute, 11-play, 62-yard drive that culminated with Curtis’ 38-yard field goal. That kick gave the Gators the lead they would not relinquish.
“We didn’t make it look easy, but we’re young and we’re learning,” said Schwochow. “We showed heart and character tonight.”
Next week Island Coast (2-3) hosts perennial power Charlotte.