Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sports

TBO > Sports

Offenses Look Sharp In Gators' Victory

ONE HALF PLAYED DUE TO LIGHTING ISSUES

By EDDIE DANIELS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 29, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Land O' Lakes quarterback Stephen Weatherford spread the ball to seven different receivers and racked up 83 rushing yards in two quarters of work in the Gators' 21-14 Kickoff Classic victory over Mitchell on Thursday night at Mitchell Stadium.
The teams played only two quarters after two of the stadium's four banks of lights malfunctioned, illuminating only the visitors' side of the stadium.
Land O' Lakes running back Tyler Peak scored on a 71-yard burst, and backfield mate Ben Hipps plunged in from a yard out.
Weatherford (7-for-11, 83 passing yards) added the other score on a 51-yard run.
Mustangs running backs Ricky Trinidad (111 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and James Hamilton (70 yards) pierced the Land O' Lakes defense in the team's return to the Wing-T offense after three seasons using the spread.
Land O' Lakes coach John Benedetto wasn't overly concerned about the 204 rushing yards his defense surrendered.
"Going into a game like this ... we don't plan or scout and let kids know [what to expect]," Benedetto said. "We come out here as if it's just another day of practice."