Alonso 31, Tampa Catholic 15, Final

Standing in the shadow of Crusaders Stadium, Brandon Hawkins said what many likely wouldn't.

"When we were winning, we kind of got a little cocky. Big-headed," the Alonso quarterback said. "But we stepped back. It was maybe good to lose, to get us back in the rhythm."

After dropping consecutive games to Plant City and Plant, Alonso brought a rhythm to Tampa Catholic that was loud and pronounced. The Ravens moved the ball up and down the field, utilizing a slippery run game and potent passing attack, knocking off the Crusaders, 31-15, Friday night.

A distinct tone was set with the first Alonso (6-2) drive. On his first three carries of the game, Alonso running back Brandon Holloway ripped off 45 total yards. Although that drive came to a halt at the Tampa Catholic 20, Ravens kicker Andrew Bagli knocked through a 37-yard field goal for an early 3-0 advantage with only 1:50 off the game clock in the first quarter.

Holloway, who carried the rushing load after backfield mate Ish Witter left the game, finished with 174 yards and two scores on 17 carries.

After forcing TC to punt, Alonso's second drive was practically identical to its first, reaching the Crusaders' 20 and ending with Bagli booting another 37-yarder for a 6-0 advantage.

For the Crusaders (6-2), it wasn't exactly a picture of success in the first half.

For a bulk of that period, TC's offense could gain little traction. Its four first-half drives ended abruptly with two punts, an interception and a turnover on downs. Despite the lackluster showing, the Crusaders began to pick things up before the half.

Using a hurry-up offense and mixing in a handful of sideline passes, the Crusaders finally ventured into Alonso territory, though never scoring until the final two quarters.

Tampa Catholic's Jordan Rich-Rogers broke the team's scoreless spell with a 5-yard run in the third.

 
A – FG Bagli 37
A – FG Bagli 37
A – Holloway 2 run (Mosley pass from Hawkins)
TC –Rich-Rogers 5 run (Sarafianos kick)
A – FG Bagli 44
A – Holloway 52 run (Bagli kick)
A – Mosley 11 pass from Hawkins (Bagli kick)
TC – Corbett 1 run (Berg pass from Corbett)