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Gators clinch playoff spot

Staff photo by FRED BELLET

Land O' Lakes' Jason Tello tries to get past Mitchell's Spencer Whittaker (15) Anthony Moore Friday night

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By EDDIE DANIELS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - There's a role you play when picked to be someone's homecoming opponent. As such, your job is to show up, play nice and keep the good vibes going.

Land O' Lakes never got that message.

With 2:10 remaining Friday night inside Mitchell Stadium, the Gators needed just 25 seconds to collect the winning touchdown and beat Mitchell 21-17. The victory gives Land O' Lakes (8-1, 6-1 Class 3A-District 7) the district runner-up spot and clinched its 13th consecutive playoff appearance.

"I told all the seniors before the game, I was like, if we lose this, we're breaking the biggest streak in Land O' Lakes history," quarterback Stephen Weatherford said. "Everyone knew it. We came out sputtering, but luckily we got it together and pulled it through."

Running back Ricky Trinidad made his return to the Mustangs' lineup after missing last week's game against Pasco with back spasms and his presence was felt early and often. He carried the ball 37 times for 178 yards and two scores.

Entering the third quarter, Land O' Lakes held a 7-3 edge and coughed up the ball on a fumble on its opening drive. The Gators defense got the ball back three plays later, but the offense couldn't take advantage.

Mitchell (8-2, 5-2) then went on a drive that could have sapped the steam from Land O' Lakes. The Mustangs converted five third downs, chewed up 8:51 on the clock and took the lead, 10-7, with a 3-yard Trinidad score.

That possession was helped immensely on a questionable unsportsmanlike flag on Land O' Lakes after linebacker Alex Mathis scooped what looked to be a backward pass, running it nearly 70 yards for an apparent score.

Four plays later, Weatherford answered back, firing a 78-yard pass to Will Irwin with 8:44 left in the game. Irwin ended the night with four receptions for 112 yards and two scores.

Mitchell then went on a 14-play drive - eight of which were Trinidad carries - capping it with a 5-yard Trinidad score, giving Mitchell a 17-14 advantage with 2:16 left.

Despite those odds, Land O' Lakes coach Matt Kitchie never doubted his team's chances.

"No," Kitchie said grinning. Then he pointed to Weatherford and said: "I got that kid right there. I got that kid. He's on my side."

On the second play of Land O' Lakes' ensuing drive, Weatherford escaped nearly half the Mitchell defense to complete a 45-yard pass to Alex Robinson. The next play, Weatherford turned to Robinson in the flats, then checked off and hit Irwin on the 24-yard post for the winning score.

Weatherford ended the night 10 of 16 for 248 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 57 yards.

Through the disappointment, Mitchell first-year coach Brian Wachtel had nothing but praise for his group.

"I said I was proud of them," Wachtel said after the game. "They are the first team in school history to be 8-2. We won eight games in a row."

L-Michelson 1 run (Stack kick)

M-Trinidad 3 run (Folsom kick)

L-Irwin 78 pass from Weatherford (Wegener kick)

M-Trinidad 5 run (Folsom kick)

L-Irwin 24 pass from Weatherford (Stack kick)

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