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FREEDOM 21, PLANT CITY 7

@tampatrib.com

Published: November 15, 2008

THE DIFFERENCE: Defense proved to be the key as Freedom recorded six sacks, two fumble recoveries and held on to an early lead for the win.

GAME NOTES: Freedom quarterback Josh Grady completed passes from 12 and 38 yards before keeping the ball for a 1-yard scoring run for the Patriots first score on its second possession. ... The Patriots defense then took over as senior Coril Joseph picked up his first of two first half sacks in a drive that went nowhere for the Raiders. After the punt, Freedom ran another balanced drive ending in a 5-yard touchdown run from Sherrod Cunningham. ... Plant City's next drive came to a premature end on an interception by Freedom's Robert Lohnes. Lohnes then caught a 51 yard halfback pass from Mark Cionci for the Patriots a 21-0 lead. ... The Patriots defense held Plant City to 58 yards of offense in the first half, while recording four sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.

STAT OF THE GAME: Patriots defensive tackle Coril Joseph recorded three sacks and forced a fumble earning the former fullback the right to join the Patriots offense in the fourth quarter. Joseph had two rushes for 10 yards.

QUOTE OF THE GAME: "It was a deal I had with the coaches because last year I was a fullback and then this year I was just a defensive lineman. At Monday's practice the told me, if I got the sacks I'd get to run." - Joseph, talking about his playing time on offense late in the game.

Jarrett Guthrie