Land O'Lakes' young quarterback is no match for a powerful defense, as Wesley Chapel wins 15-0.
By STEVE LEE
Published September 25, 2004
LAND O'LAKES - Quarterback Joe Weatherford suffered a few growing pains in his debut as a starter.
Wesley Chapel's swarming defense welcomed the Land O'Lakes sophomore with six sacks, including a safety, and three interceptions in a 15-0 win.
That marked the Wildcats' first win at Gator Stadium, their second shutout of Land O'Lakes (18-0 in 2001) and evened the series with their Sunshine Athletic Conference rivals at 3-3.
"Our defense has been doing pretty good," Wesley Chapel coach John Castelamare said. "They're stellar. If anything, they go get you."
Added Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto: "We have to grow up. We're still a very young team and I think that's why we're making a lot of mistakes, but we'll get better."
Wesley Chapel quarterback Anthony Rawson finished off two scoring drives in the second quarter.
He lofted a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Reamer in the right corner before capping a seven-play, 55-yard drive with a 1-yard plunge into the end zone.
Afterward, however, the Wesley Chapel senior, who passed for 43 yards with an interception, lauded Weatherford, who completed 10-of-24 for 147 yards.
"Joe Weatherford showed me a lot as a sophomore," Rawson said. "Hopefully, he's going to be a great quarterback and be as good as his brother (Florida State freshman Drew, the county's all-time passing leader)."
In a game that was closer than the score indicated, the Land O'Lakes defense also had some shining moments.
The Gators keyed on Nigel Bryant, who entered the game third in the county with 248 rushing yards, and limited the senior fullback to 48 yards on 19 carries.
But that left Wesley Chapel's other runners some room.
Both of Wesley Chapel's scoring drives were set up by long runs. Aaron Dickler, who rushed for 74 yards, gained 47 on his second carry to set up Rawson's scoring pass and Zack Carter gained 23 yards on the second drive.
Land O'Lakes' Develin Robinson led all receivers with five catches for 106 yards, including a diving 40-yard reception in the second quarter. That eight-play, 45-yard drive stalled, though, after Weatherford was sacked on consecutive plays by Jacob Simmons and Jeremy Lee.
Simmons finished with two sacks with Lee, Khalil Madani and Josh Winfrey contributing one each. Madani and Mark Revelia shared the sack of Weatherford in the end zone.
"Honestly, I didn't even think Joe had the ball," Madani said. "I thought he got rid of it and I was going to get called for a penalty. Then I realized we were on the goal line.
"That was my first safety. I hope I get another one."
