Incoming freshman shines for Farragut

Josh Burch scores twice, giving the Blue Jackets an option at running back.

By BOB PUTNAM
Published May 25, 2006

Every now and then, a player pops out of a spring game and makes a name for himself.

Josh Burch did that last week.

An incoming freshman at Admiral Farragut, Burch was the workhorse on offense, scoring twice to help the Blue Jackets beat Lakeland Santa Fe 17-7.

Burch's first touchdown came on a 30-yard pass from Richie Vetter. The second was on a 60-yard run.

"Josh showed some flashes last year in middle school," coach Chris Miller said. "He came through at the right time."

One of the Blue Jackets' top priorities this spring was to find a replacement for Bernard Scott, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season. Kraig Brown was the leading contender, but he was hobbled by a hip flexor and saw limited action against Santa Fe.

That meant Burch was thrust into the spotlight. His performance gives Admiral Farragut some depth heading into the fall.

David Gans kicked a 47-yard field goal to round out the scoring for the Blue Jackets. Santa Fe scored with less than a minute remaining.

Last season, the Gladiators rallied to beat the Sailors by a point. Tuesday, Sarasota got revenge.

Mike Goodpastor rolled out and hit Joshua Mann for a 14-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left to lift the Sailors. The score capped a 92-yard drive.

Goodpastor filled in for Casey Kelly, who missed spring practice because he was playing for Sarasota's baseball team that reached the Class 6A state final.

In the second quarter, Goodpastor connected with Nelson Castenada on a 71-yard pass for the Sailors' other score.

Tommy Hains booted field goals of 35 and 25 yards for the Gladiators. Devin McCullough ran for a 49-yard touchdown with 10 seconds left in the third quarter to put Gibbs ahead 12-6.

Countryside will play at defending Class 2B state champion Ocala Trinity Catholic on Friday.

The matchup will feature two of the state's top quarterbacks: the Cougars' L.D. Crow and Celtics' John Brantley.

Crow, who committed to Stanford on Sunday, threw for 1,390 yards and 11 touchdowns last season to lead Countryside to a 9-2 record and berth in the Class 5A region quarterfinals.

Brantley, nephew of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Scot Brantley, led Trinity Catholic to an undefeated season (14-0) and the 2B title by throwing for 2,835 yards and 41 touchdowns. He has committed to Texas.

"I guess it'll be Pac-10 versus the Big 12," Cougars coach John Davis said. "It should be a good one."

[Last modified May 25, 2006, 00:55:15]