The other D steps up

Dunedin's defense may have had more publicity, but Largo's comes through in a 23-0 win.

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published November 12, 2005

LARGO - You want defense?

We'll show you defense.

With that mind-set, the underrated Largo defenders took the field Friday night. Literally. Took every last inch of it, declared it theirs and would not let Dunedin advance.

One score was going to be enough in their playoff opener, of that they made sure.

With an overpowering front line and just enough of Dexter McCluster, the Packers won their first playoff game since 1991 and just second in nine postseason tries with a dominating 23-0 victory over Dunedin in a Class 5A regional.

Largo will host Venice, a 28-0 winner over previously undefeated Fort Myers, in next week's regional semifinals.

The Packers (8-3) held Dunedin to 59 yards total offense, including just 10 in the second half, to avenge a loss to the Falcons earlier this season.

It was Largo's fourth shutout this season.

"We wanted to show them tonight that we had the best defense," said senior lineman Derrick "Popeye" Holte. "We came out and thunked them in the head. Last time, they did it to us. Tonight it was our turn, and we made sure we did the job."

Afterwards, the Packers handed the game ball to defensive coordinator Matt Lepain.

The Falcons (6-5) and their stout defense was up to the Largo challenge. Dunedin only trailed 3-0 entering the fourth quarter and McCluster was under 100 yards, but in a strategic game of field position, Largo delivered checkmate with 9 minutes remaining.

Pinned on their own 1, Dunedin gained only a yard and had to punt from its end zone. McCluster returned it 20 yards to the 15, then scored five plays later to make it 10-0.

Forced to pass, Dunedin fell farther behind as its very next play Worthy Jackson was picked off by Colton Miller, setting up Largo on the Falcon 17. McCluster capped a short drive with a 14-yard touchdown run to go over 100 for the night and seal Dunedin's fate.

Brynn Harvey scored on a 20-yard run on the game's final play to account for the final score. It was only the second time all season Dunedin allowed more than 20 points in a game.

"This was a payback game," said lineman Dan McFarland. "Last time they were able to run it up the middle on us. But look now. We threw that goose egg up there."

After gaining 39 yards rushing on their first drive of the game, the Falcons did not get another first down and managed just 14 more yards on 17 carries.

McCluster finished with 108 yards and his 33rd and 34th touchdowns of the season.

[Last modified November 12, 2005, 00:55:15]