Zephyrhills offensive starters, including quarterback Keith Ostermann, look good against Palmetto.
By GREG AUMAN
Published August 29, 2003
ZEPHYRHILLS - When the Bulldogs starters went to the sideline Thursday, they did so with a 15-0 lead against Palmetto and a boost of confidence entering next week's season opener.
The Tigers rallied for two fourth-quarter scores against the reserves, but the starters came back to stuff a two-point conversion, holding on for a 15-13 victory that pleased coach Tom Fisher.
"My main goal was to win the first half, and we did that," said Fisher, who got a strong night from senior Keith Ostermann, making his debut as starting quarterback.
Ostermann showed poise, completing 9 of 15 passes for 111 yards and leading the Bulldogs to two long scoring drives, capped by touchdowns from tailbacks Sydney Williams and Bryan Thomas.
"At first, I was a little jittery back there, but then I got in my comfort zone," said Ostermann, who hit four receivers for plays of 15 yards or more. "The offensive line did a good job of blocking, and the guys did a great job catching the ball.
"(Tight end Kevin Senior) caught one behind his back. I don't know how he did it. I got hit while I threw it and never thought it'd be completed. But he pulled it in. That was real promising."
Palmetto, which went 4-6 last year, moved the ball with ease but struggled near the goal line. Four times during the first half, the Tigers drove inside the 20 but did not score. The Bulldogs stopped a fourth and 1, got an interception from linebacker Marvin Johnson and stopped Palmetto on the 2 on fourth and 7 from the 8.
Zephyrhills fumbled six times, losing two in its first three possessions, including two by fullback Travis Mickle.
"That's uncharacteristic, especially for Mickle," Fisher said. "I think it's just that it's the first time we've gotten to go live in such an extended time. We made a lot of mistakes, but they're correctable mistakes."
Even the botched plays looked promising for Zephyrhills. After its first touchdown, holder Casey Finley took a bad snap and scrambled to the sideline, awkwardly pitching back to the kicker, Ostermann, who fired a dart to Tony Smiley for a two-point conversion.
Palmetto quarterback Jacob Ivey went 10-for-16 for 206 yards and a touchdown and ran 19 yards for another on fourth and 12 with 10 seconds left. The Tigers could have tied it with a two-point conversion, but tailback Harold Smith was stuffed for a loss.
Zephyrhills opens its season one week from tonight at home against defending Sunshine Athletic Conference champion Land O'Lakes, which dealt the Bulldogs their only regular-season loss last year.
