TARPON SPRINGS 17, EAST LAKE 10: The string continues. Never in the series has the home team won.
By JOHN C. COTEY
Published September 9, 2003
EAST LAKE - It wasn't as explosive as past games in the series, nor as exciting. But for the victors, Tarpon Springs' 17-10 win over arch-rival East Lake was just as satisfying always.
"This was," said Sponger running back Marcus Thompson, "the happiest game of my life."
Thompson and his teammates pounded out a season-opening win, one you could say was predictable. Never in the series' history has the home team won, and the Eagles had the misfortune of hosting.
It may have been the happiest game in Thompson's life, but it was probably the best game of fellow Sponger Mark Hardy's life.
A three-year starter and one of the few seniors on the young Spongers, Hardy ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns and added an interception on defense.
His effort spoiled the debut of East Lake coach Bob Hudson. His Eagles could not overcome a fumbled punt return inside the 10 that led to a Sponger field goal, and the grind-it-out offense failed to convert on four fourth-downs, killing drives.
The first time the Eagles failed, on fourth-and-3 at midfield, Hardy took the Spongers' first offensive play 50 yards for a touchdown.
Tarpon had to punt on its next series, but it was muffed and led to a Chris Bannon field goal to make it 10-0 in the first quarter.
East Lake trimmed the lead to a touchdown on Chris Ackerman's 43-yard field goal, then the Eagles turned back Tarpon to end the half after the Spongers had first-and-goal at the 8. Mike Meyer had back-to-back sacks for East Lake.
But on that final first-half drive, the Sponger offensive line exerted itself and set the stage for a series of lengthy second-half drives, including one capped by Hardy's second touchdown run from 9 yards out with 6:33 left in the game.
"Those were situations where we challenged our offensive line," said Tarpon coach Don Davis. "And you could tell by those holes Mark was running through, that was attributed to the line doing its job."
East Lake managed 62 yards rushing on 30 carries, but quarterback Lewis Caralla threw for 159 yards. He led a furious final drive as he completed his last four passes for 67 yards, including a 29-yard score to Jason Alonso with 42 seconds left.
But Tommy Gamble fell on the onsides kick to seal a win for the visitors, as usual.
