ST. JOHNS – Perseverance it’s the persistence doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
For the Seminoles on the road for the first round of the FHSAA 7A State Playoffs, it was the theme of the night at Creekside.
Down much of the game, the Noles took the lead midway through the third quarter enroute to a 38-31 win to advance to the Regional Semi-finals which the Seminoles will host University (Orange City) on Nov 22.
“When adversity hits it’s how you respond,” said coach Karl Calhoun. “It’s the playoffs. Our guys had moments in the game where they had to step up and they did when it mattered.”
That adversity hit early, when the Noles fumbled on 3rd and 12 deep inside their own territory setting up Creekside’s first touchdown.
But when it mattered, the Seminole passing game led by quarterback Michael Clayton was on point. On the night, Clayton completed 84% of his passes for 377 yards and two touchdowns.
“Mike did a great job making the calls and the checks,” Calhoun said. “They got us out of something we wanted to do, we had to divert. The passing game was open so we had to attack some things there.”
Clayton’s biggest target on the night was Devin Voltaire. The Duquesne University commit, finished with 14 catches for 280 yards and 1 TD. But it was the way he ran after the catch at times breaking free from 3 or 4 Creekside defenders that was impressive.
“He played like and animal tonight. He was a recking ball,” Calhoun said. “When he catches the ball he’s hard to tackle. Overall he’s been playing great.”
The Noles also had 145 yards on the ground after a slow start. Led by Khamani Robinson who’s 24-yard run on 3rd and 7 late in the fourth was the final score of the night. The Senior finished with three touchdowns and 61 yards rushing on 13 carries.
The Seminole defense was led by Javon Peterson who had 13 tackles, and a sack on the night. Marshawn Taylor added 11 tackles, and Rasheem Turner Jr. had 10 tackels.
Friday’s game is set for 7pm, tickets can be found on Gofan.co
