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Jefferson stops Spoto

Photo from Scott Purks

Jefferson defeated Spoto 24-21 on a night that also featured the announcement of the three finalists for homecoming king and queen.

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By JARRETT GUTHRIE

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 24, 2009

TAMPA - Jefferson's quarterback Quentin Williams was finding receivers early in the Dragons' district showdown with Spoto, but the gains were small. An 8-yard reception here, a 6-yard gain there - all the time trying to avoid a heavy blitz package from the Spartans, who led at halftime.

Things sure changed after the break.

The Dragons made some huge adjustments and Williams struck for three passing touchdowns, two passing and one rushing 2-point conversions as Jefferson earned a 24-21 victory.

"There wasn't anyone in that locker room at the half that thought we were going to lose this game," Jefferson coach Mike Fenton said. "We kept our composure."

Trailing 7-0, Williams completed a pass down the middle to Eric Royster, who shed a would-be tackler at about the 45 yard-line and went in for a 64-yard touchdown.

"I just wanted it," Royster said of his first touchdown. "If you want something that bad nothing is going to keep me from getting it."

Williams said the play was designed for the Spartans blitz package and he hit Royster for the big gain. Williams then rushed for the two-point conversion.

"Eric was able to get loose," Williams said. "And all I could think was, 'Don't over throw him' and he made a huge play."

Jefferson extended its lead in the fourth quarter with a 26-yard scoring play from Williams to Andre Davis, who came up with a jump ball in the end zone. Again the Dragons successfully converted the two-point conversion.

The Spartans scored on a 1-yard run up the gut by Rodney Williams on the next possession to cut the lead to two.

But Jefferson responded on the next drive with another strike to Royster from Williams, this time for 57 yards, again hitting on the conversion.

Spoto scored again on a pass from Brown to Dominic Addison, but didn't recover the onside kick, allowing the Dragons to run out the clock.

Added emotions were brought into the game for the Dragons as a halftime ceremony honored former Dragons linebacker C.J. Mills, who was shot and killed two years ago outside his home. Williams said the Dragons were out to win the game in memory of Mills and Jefferson wore black uniforms with Mills' name and No. 8 on them.

"We played our hearts out for C.J.," Williams said touching the patch on the upper right of his jersey. "When we put on these all blacks, we can't let him down.

"It's like we are playing for him in these uniforms and with them we can't lose."

J-Royster 64 pass from Williams (Mitchell run)

J-Davis 26 pass from Williams (Jenkins pass from Williams)

S-Williams 1 run (Andrade kick)

J-Royster 57 pass from Williams (Wilson pass from Williams)

S-Addison 4 pass from Brown (Andrade kick)

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