The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated John I. Leonard High School 21-6 on Friday, Oct. 12 at the Lancers’ home in Greenacres.
Both teams fought hard, keeping the game scoreless for nearly the entire first half. But a breakthrough run by the Hawks’ Elie Turene turned the momentum, setting up a Hawk win.
The Lancers held onto the ball for much of the opening quarter, driving it near the Seminole Ridge end zone. On a third-down play with a few minutes left, John I. Leonard attempted a 39-yard field-goal kick, but it drifted outside the goal post.
The Hawks took over and attempted to move the ball but were thwarted. The first quarter finished without either team putting points on the board.
John I. Leonard stepped up early in the second quarter, throwing a pass to put the Lancers near the Hawks’ end zone. They then completed a 17-yard pass to score, putting them on the board 6-0. It would be the only touchdown Seminole Ridge allowed them.
The Hawks turned the tides in their favor on their next possession. Turene grabbed the ball and ran 76 yards to put in a touchdown. An extra-point kick gave Seminole Ridge the lead, 7-6.
Both teams continued to battle on the field, with both sides suffering penalties that squandered attempts to score. The score at halftime remained 7-6.
The Hawks continued their momentum in the second half, pushing past the John I. Leonard defense.
Silas Spearman scored late in the third quarter, and an extra-point kick extended the Hawks’ lead, bringing the score to 14-6. Turene cinched the win in the fourth quarter with a third touchdown. With the extra-point kick, Seminole Ridge finished the game 21-6 to claim the victory.
The Hawks travel to Palm Beach Gardens High School on Friday, Oct. 19 for a 7 p.m. game.
Above: SRHS quarterback Zach DeCosta looks for an open man.
