North Marion at Bushnell South Sumter
The Colts fell to the Raiders 16-12, in a game that came down to North Marion’s final drive.
The Colts final drive began on their own 33 yard line, and finished at the Raiders 38 yard line when North Marion quarterback, Caleb Seiler, was intercepted with 18.3 seconds left. Seiler finished the game with 23 completions on 35 attempts for 326 passing yards. Freddie Swain caught 10 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Jack Reed catching 9 passes for 154 yards. Colts running back, James Allen, had 139 rushing yards on 24 carries.
Vanguard at Sunlake
Vanguard also lost in the opening round of the playoffs as they lost to the Sunlake Seahawks 24-6. Turnovers were key in the Knights loss; they turned the ball over three times compared to the Seahawks, who had zero turnovers. The Knights’ defense couldn’t get off the field on third downs, allowing the Seahawks to convert several third down conversions. Knights quarterback N’Kosi Perry completed 17 passes on 26 attempts and was constantly under pressure suffering five sacks.
Providence at Trinity Catholic
The Celtics were the only Ocala team to win in the opening playoffs; defeating Providence 49-14, setting up a rematch against the defending Class 3A state champions, Trinity Christian. Trinity Christian was able to pull off the victory against the Celtics last year in Jacksonville. This year, Trinity Christian will play at Celtic Field. Celtics senior Quandre Woods scored three rushing touchdowns. Woods was filling in for the suspended London Gaskin, who is easily Trinity’s most explosive playmaker.
—By Brandon Wilson—