Florida High tops Leon on homecoming night

TALLAHASSEE – On a night that was more about dresses and tuxedos there was still a game to be played. The Florida High Seminoles welcomed the Leon Lions to their stadium for homecoming night.

Florida High was able to be consistent all night and come away with a 35-21 win. The Seminoles employed a run by committee plan as they topped the 300 yard mark on the ground.

“We just wanted to be more focused this week on the task at hand. We have really good rotation of backs and I just wanted to use them all,” said Florida High head coach Jarrod Hickman.

Florida High moved the ball early and often to establish themselves. They scored on three out of five possessions in the first half.

Two of those scores came on the legs of QB Ronnie Harrison.

“Coach let me know we wanted to play ball control. So I knew I would not be airing it out much today. I was fine with that long as we got the W,” said Harrison.

Leon answered with 3:46 on the clock in the first quarter to make things interesting early.

QB DeAnfernee McGriff literally carried his team all night. He went on to rush for 119 yards and added three touchdowns via the ground. Along with the rushing yards he added 95 yards through the air on 13 of 20 passes.

Coming out of the half both teams left their excitement in the locker room. No points were scored in the quarter.

To the begin the fourth quarter the Seminoles looked to push the lead out of hand.With 7:41 left in the final quarter the Seminoles went up by 21 on a 49 yard run and score by Makel Young.

Leon was able to answer back on their next drive. McGriff broke free for a 35 yard scamper and score. This put the Lions back in striking distance for a possible comeback.

But once again the Seminoles found a way to make some breathing room on a Brokerick Simpson 15 yard touchdown run. He carried the ball five times on the Seminoles final drive.

The Lions although late did tack on another score with McGriff running 39 yards to endzone.

Florida High extends its winning streak to two games after losing its first two and now are 2-2. Next week the Seminoles will travel to play Walton High in DeFuniak Springs. Leon will suffer their third loss on the season dropping them to 2-3. Next week they will play their third road game in three weeks when they travel to play Crestview High. Both games will take place at 7pm.