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Offenses sputter for Rebels, Devils

ST. PETERSBURG -- After Dixie Hollins and St. Petersburg fought to a draw for 2 1/2 quarters Wednesday night, the Rebels' junior varsity put on a quick offensive display.

Dixie Hollins' JV offense took less than two minutes to reach the end zone in a 14-0 win over the Green Devils.

In the first half, the Rebels outgained the Green Devils 105 yards to 51. Even without the yards, St. Petersburg had the best scoring chances, but William Criswell's 36-yard field goal was blocked and he came up short on a 51-yard attempt at the end of the half.

"It was a typical spring game," Dixie Hollins coach Mike Morey said. "Our offense is going to have to come together this summer. Our timing was off on our pass blocking and we didn't click. Still, our defense did a good job of keeping us in it."

Morey, who said before the game that his team would probably run more than it passed, saw far more success on the ground. Running backs George Lovett, Herminio Torres, Sean Klinesmith and Jeremiah Joseph did plenty of damage. Quarterback Bakail Hall did a good job of handling the ball but didn't have much luck in the air.

Green Devils Jerald Robinson and Chris Cranfield split the quarterbacking duties, and defensively, Vince Grasso penetrated the Rebels' offensive line time and again for sacks.

"We graduated about 15 or so from last year," St. Petersburg coach Todd St. Louis said. "We're going to have a smaller team, but a lot stronger."

Roger Tallant's fumble recovery midway through the third quarter started the Rebels' first scoring drive. Second-string quarterback Jon Darisaw moved the Rebels 38 yards in five plays before Dan Puckett's 1-yard scoring plunge. Darisaw set up the play with a 9-yard run to the 1. Tallant and Rahad Washington also had key runs during the drive.

Morey also liked what he saw from Lovett, who also played cornerback. Lovett scored the game's final touchdown by wresting the ball away from Leslie Hopkins and racing 18 yards to the end zone.

After Lovett's touchdown, St. Petersburg got its biggest offensive play when JV tailback Ricky Butler raced 45 yards to the Dixie Hollins 36. But a fumble ended the drive and Dixie Hollins ran out the clock.

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