In a defensive game, Richard Good lifts the Panthers past Leon and in to the final.
By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published February 28, 2004
FORT LAUDERDALE - Richard Good, watching closely as teammate Kyle Davis handled the ball, drifted toward the net. When Davis smashed a pass to the center of the field, the ball deflected off a defender and right to Good.
He didn't hesitate.
With a swift right-footed kick in the 75th minute, the little-known junior forward scored Lecanto's only goal and gave the Panthers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Lecanto's 1-0 win Friday over Tallahassee Leon at Lockhart Stadium in the Class 4A semifinals secured a spot in today's 5 p.m. final against Rockledge. The Panthers will be playing in their first championship game.
"I really didn't care who put the ball into the back of the net," Good said.
Neither did his teammates.
After the victory, Lecanto (25-1-1) celebrated on the sideline while close to 100 Panthers fans cheered from the stands. Lecanto's only state titles came in 1994 (boys cross country) and 1996 (softball).
"This is a big deal," Panthers coach Doug Warren said. "We're playing for a state championship."
