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Jefferson beats Newsome as game called after 3

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: September 12, 2009

TAMPA - Jefferson and Newsome's game Friday had every thrill a football fan could ask for. It was high-scoring, hard-hitting and down to the wire.

The end result: Jefferson 29, Newsome 28.

But will it count?

The game was stopped just after 11 p.m. on Friday after three quarters were played. Before the start of the game, which was delayed an hour and a half because of lightning, both head coaches, both athletic directors and the head official agreed to adhere to a district policy that states a game may not be continued if the fourth quarter starts after 11 p.m.

Jefferson athletic director Bob Morgan said he offered Newsome the opportunity to continue the game this morning, but it declined.

"Both teams have games on Thursday, and for the safety of the kids we're not going to come back and finish it," Morgan said. "The game is over, and I don't know if I had to put an asterisk there because it was only three quarters."

Morgan said he contacted Hillsborough County athletic director Lanness Robinson at the start of the fourth quarter and Robinson said the game could not continue.

Newsome took a 28-14 lead with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter. Junior running back Conner Powers capped a seven-play drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, then linebacker Joe Worth intercepted a pass and returned it 17 yards to give the Wolves a 28-14 lead.

Then Jefferson junior quarterback Quentin Williams took over. Facing third-and-17 from his 28, Williams hit Andre Davis for a 32-yard pass to keep the Dragons alive. Then, Williams completed three consecutive passes to set up a one-handed diving touchdown catch by Davis that closed the gap to 28-21.

Jefferson forced Newsome to punt on its next possession, and the Wolves fumbled the snap. A 15-yard penalty put the Dragons on Newsome's 33, and Williams ran in from there to make it 28-27. Jefferson went for the two-point conversion, with Williams sealing the game.

Newsome could not move down field in the final minute, and the game was called.

J-Davis 16 pass from Williams (Wilson kick)

J-Royster 3 run (Wilson kick)

N-Williams 60 pass from Klenke (Gussman kick)

N-C. Powers 6 run (Gussman kick)

N-J. Worth 17 interception return (Gussman kick)

J-Davis 10 pass from Williams (Wilson kick)

J-Williams 33 run (Williams run)

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