Seminole traded blows with DeLand like two gladiators in the arena the Noles game against the Bulldogs saw each team slugging it out until the end.
DeLand struck first in the Battle for the Bridge rivalry game, but in the end it was the Noles that consistently hit with knock-out blows in a 49-42 win that keeps Seminole 3-0 in district play.
The Noles traded touchdowns on back-to-back possessions seven times with DeLand including twice in the first half and then at the beginning of the second half.
It was the Noles running game behind an offensive line that had all of its starters back after injuries hampered Seminole the past couple weeks. Three of those touchdowns came off runs by Trey Clark and two others on the ground by Rodney Grant III.
“That was a big win against a great program,” Noles coach Karl Calhoun said. “I am very, very proud of our offense to get the running game going, having our offensive line back helped us a lot.”
The Noles had Clark lead the way on the ground with 10 carries for 201-yards including a 78-yard scamper, the senior added another 33 yards on one reception. Calhoun didn’t hold back heaping praise on his Senior running back who he calls “one of the best players in Central Florida.”
“Trey Clarks needs to get an (scholarship) offer” Calhoun said. “College coaches need to open their eyes, he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s smart, has great vision and tonight he showed that.”
Though the Noles runners where a highlight in the win, Callhoun said he thinks it was the special teams that were “dominate.”
“I loved how they all played,” the coach said.
Those special teams accounted for a fake punt that went for a touchdown by Clark and a Justin Rosato 89-yard kick return for a score. The senior ended up with 192 yards in kick and punt returns on the night. He also added two receptions for 20 yards.
“(Justin) is another under recruited kid that needs to be recruited and tonight he showed why,” Calhoun said. “His speed was electric, he made just a bunch of big plays.”
Seminole heads back on the road Oct 20 to take on district opponent Lake Brantley. Kick off is set for 7pm.
