With the host Largo Packers scoring two touchdowns in the final 4:20 of the first half to take a 16-7 lead in a bone-rattling defensive battle, one didn't need the aid of an optometrist to see which team had an edge.
"We had the momentum," Largo coach Rick Rodriguez said.
That was about to change, a large part because of backup Hillsborough running back Jeremiah Green, who sparked a spirited second-half rally, leading the Terriers to a 29-23 Class 6A-Region 2 quarterfinal win.
With Hillsborough's running game somewhat listless and the Packers having figured out Terriers quarterback Jeremy Agrinzonis, Hillsborough was looking for a spark at halftime when Green offered his services.
"I had a bad (right) ankle," Green said, which explained why he didn't have a carry in the first half. The way Green exploded in the second half, all running backs should have such an ailment.
Green ran 10 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns, but his second touchdown was his most spectacular and most important.
Green took a handoff, went left, got loose and broke tackle after tackle before crossing the goal line, capping a 77-yard run for what proved to be the game-winning score.
"Boy, that was an exciting game," Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia gushed. "(Green) is a great change-of-pace kind of runner. Anthony (Brown) is the fastest guy, but Jeremiah is maybe a half-step behind him but may be a step or two quicker in a two-step burst.
|
Hills. |
7 |
0 |
14 |
8 |
––––– |
29 |
|
Largo |
7 |
9 |
7 |
0 |
––––– |
23 |
H – Brown 4 run (Marchi kick)
L — Doss 3 run (Sever kick)
L – Safety
L – Brown 1 run (Sever kick)
H – Sherit 4 pass from Agrinzonis (Marchi kick)
L – Harris 26 pass from Brown (Sever kick)
H—Green 3 run (Marchi kick)
H— Green 77 run (Hill run)
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