By: Ross Van De Griek
LARGO, Fla.- The Palmetto Tigers are now 5-0 for the first time since 2011, as they steamroll the host Largo Packers (3-2), 44-6 on Friday night at Packer Stadium.
Palmetto controlled this game right from the opening drive, as the Tigers would get a 64 yard pass from senior quarterback Xavier Williams to senior wide receiver Kevion Williams. The scoring started often & quickly for the Tigers, as junior Sagel Hickson got into the end zone on a 5 yard run. Largo's offense was quickly forced to punt on their opening drive, as the Palmetto defense held Largo, to just 12 total yards for the opening quarter. Later in the first quarter, Palmetto added their second touchdown of the game as senior quarterback Xavier Williams would connect with senior wide receiver Lajohntay Wester on an 11 yard pass, to extend the Tigers lead to 14-0. The Tigers were not done scoring in the first quarter, as moments later Lajohntay Wester found the end zone for a second time, on a 75 yard punt return, as Palmetto would go up 20-0.
Palmetto senior quarterback Xavier Williams would also add himself onto the stat sheet, as he would score on a 2 yard run, just two minutes into the second quarter, that increased the Palmetto lead to 27-0. Largo's offense just had no answers, as they were forced to punt four times in their first five possessions. Later in the second quarter, LaJohntay Wester would score his third touchdown of the night, via a 20 yard pass from Xavier Williams that made it 34-0 Palmetto. Sagel Hickson would also add his second rushing touchdown of the night, on a 70 yard run that gave the Tigers a 41-0 lead, with 2:40 left in the half. Just before the half ended, Palmetto would add a 37 yard field goal, that would give the Tigers a 44-0 lead heading into the locker room.
The second half consisted of a running clock, as Palmetto would put in some of their young backups. Largo however, would not go away as senior quarterback Brandon Coppola scored on a 5 yard run, that put the host Packers on the board 44-6. Palmetto (5-0) would hold on for the 44-6 win, as they outgained Largo 354-102 (unofficially)
The road ahead for Palmetto: 9/27 vs Braden River
The road ahead for Largo: 9/27 @ Countryside
Palmetto head coach Dave Marino on the win. "That was the most dominant I've seen our boys play in all three facets of the game, whether it was on offense, defense or special teams." "I've never seen a more complete team, than the group of guys I've got this year", Marino added.
Palmetto senior linebacker Devion Cummings on the win. "This is what we practiced for all week, we came prepared & were ready."
Palmetto offensive coordinator Ty Stoldt on the 5-0 start. "These guys deserve it, we work hard each day in practice & it has continued to payoff in the games."These guys have something special brewing, but we have to take it one week at a time", Stoldt added.