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Bennett Rallies Alonso By Gaither

By ADAM ADKINS

aadkins@tampatrib.com

Published: October 17, 2008

Updated: 10/17/2008 03:46 am

TAMPA - Alonso junior quarterback C.J. Bennett threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns Thursday in leading the Ravens to a come-from-behind 34-24 home victory against Gaither.

Bennett was at his best in the second half as Alonso rallied from an 11-point deficit. He was 9 of 10 for 177 yards and two scores after the break, rallying the Ravens (6-1) in their homecoming game to what turned out be their fifth straight win.

"We've had slow first halves throughout the season, but we pride ourselves on coming out in the second half and taking care of business," Bennett said.

Gaither (3-4) controlled the first half and took a 21-13 lead into the break behind the strong running of senior Jarvis Giles, who had 129 yards and three touchdowns on 17 first-half carries. Giles was equally effective on the Cowboys' opening possession of the second half, running for 40 yards on eight carries on a drive that ended with a 22-yard field goal.

But the Ravens answered immediately, with Bennett hitting receiver Jesse Anaya on a 68-yard touchdown strike on the second play of the ensuing drive, cutting Alonso's deficit to 24-19. And then the game turned.

Giles was injured on the ensuing kickoff, an injury Gaither coach Mark Kantor said after the game was cramps in both legs. He was unable to return, and the Cowboys struggled mightily in his absence.