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Sickles 17, Freedom 14

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 18, 2009

SICKLES...17 FREEDOM...14

TAMPA - Sickles used a 19-yard field goal by Andres Vasquez in overtime to defeat Freedom in the mud. The win gave the Gryphons their first 3-0 start in school history.

"It was ugly, but a win is a win," Sickles coach Pat O'Brien said. "We are leaving a legacy here."

Carey White led the Gryphons offense with 171 yards rushing on 23 carries.

The game was delayed for 45 minutes due to sloppy field conditions that got worse as the game moved along. Several areas on the field were covered with standing water throughout the game and both teams had trouble holding onto the ball in a penalty-filled game.

The Gryphons struck on their first possession when John Hendrick hooked up with Chris Nahat for a 36-yard touchdown pass.

In the third quarter, White capped a long scoring drive with a 35-yard touchdown run, busting through the heart of the Freedom defense, but Freedom (1-1) came back when Guy found Robert Lohnes over the middle on the next possession. Lohnes broke two tackles and darted down the left sideline for a 76-yard score to make it 14-7.

Freedom's Michael Gassaway picked up a loose ball and ran for a 32-yard TD.