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Andrade gives Spoto win

Staff photo by BILL WARD

Teammates give Spoto kicker Carlos Andrade a victory ride after his kick to beat Alonso Friday.

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By KATHERINE SMITH

ksmith@tampatrib.com

Published: September 12, 2009

TAMPA - Throughout the week, Carlos Andrade splits his time between band and football practice. Until Friday night, the kicker had been relegated to extra-point duties, having never attempted a field goal.

The Spoto junior not only made his first field goal, a 23-yarder, but also he was the difference in the Spartans' 10-7 victory against Alonso.

"I've been waiting for this moment," said Andrade, who nailed the kick down the middle as time expired. "This is my first year kicking and I've been dreaming of this moment."

In a matchup delayed an hour because of bad weather, Spoto's ground game proved to be more effective than Alonso's air attack, which never really took off for most of the night.

The Spartans defense held Ravens quarterback C.J. Bennett, the county's leading passer, to 156 passing yards. Alonso entered the game averaging more than 500 yards of offense, but managed only 199 yards against Spoto.

Spoto's speedy running attack was effective against Alonso's banged-up defense. Missing starting defensive end Anthony Chickillo, who suffered a broken collarbone in last week's victory against Brandon, the Ravens defense gave up 215 rushing yards, including 77 on the game-winning drive.

"This means everything for our program," said Spoto senior running back Jamar Burns, who led the team with 113 rushing yards. "This feels real good."

Spoto could have put up bigger numbers if it hadn't continually shot itself in the foot with penalties. The Spartans were flagged 11 times for 112 yards in the first half alone, and 19 for 173 overall.

Alonso moved the ball well at times, but two first-half turnovers kept them out of the end zone. Bennett was picked off twice in the first half by Spoto defensive back Donald Smith. Smith intercepted a pass intended for Ravens receiver Justen Davis in the end zone midway through the second quarter. He got his second interception just before the end of that quarter.

"I kept saying if we beat Alonso, it will be the biggest win in school history, but there is no history really," Spoto coach Dale Caparaso said. "We're making up this history as we go along."

A-Anaya 15 pass from Bennett (Rodriquez kick)

S-FG Andrade 23

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