Hernando semi-pro team rolls to victory in first home game

A crowd of about 400 at Hernando High's Tom Fisher Stadium on Saturday night was treated to fireworks, then a dominating effort by the Hernando Eagles in their home opener.

By JOHN SCHWARB
Published February 1, 2005

---

With a 27-16 win over the Orlando Rage, the Eagles remained undefeated early in the Southern States Football League season and on top of their division.

The Eagles led throughout, first scoring on a short pass from John Jones to Jeremiah Blake that ended up as a 45-yard touchdown. In the second half, Hernando extended the lead and kept the Rage at arm's length.

"We're happy that we have two victories under our belt right now, though our offense isn't where we want it to be. We should be scoring more points," player/owner Abraham Dowdell said. "The defense is doing an excellent job. We just have to make sure the offense is keeping them off the field."

The Eagles extended their lead to 14-0 early in the third quarter on a 25-yard run from Jerome Tillman. Then after Orlando broke through with a field goal, Hernando answered with a 15-yard run from former Central standout Tim Gaynor to go up 20-3.

The Rage (1-1) made matters interesting in the final minute after crawling to within 20-16. But an onside kick with 10 seconds remaining was fielded by Henry Quinones, who then lateraled to Al Washington. He dashed the final 30 yards for a final touchdown.

The Eagles play their third division game Saturday at Lake County against the 0-2 Hornets.