Pirates come through with late score

By JOE SMITH
Published September 16, 2006

GULFPORT - Orhian Johnson couldn't breathe.

The Boca Ciega junior quarterback huffed and puffed in the waning moments of Friday's game with Lakewood. He said he was so "excited" that he hyperventilated and had to lie down and calm himself.

By then, Johnson had already taken the air out of the Spartans.

Johnson threw a 35-yard touchdown pass on the run with 32 seconds to go to lift Boca Ciega to a dramatic 15-12 victory over Lakewood (2-2) in the teams' district opener.

"That shocked me right there," said Boca Ciega senior tailback Josh Bellamy, who had 128 yards and a touchdown. "I couldn't believe it. Big 'O' made a big play."

On the pivotal play, Johnson evaded a heavy Lakewood rush, stepping up in the pocket. Then he shrugged off a sore shoulder - and three quarters of struggles - to loft a perfect pass to 5-foot-6 receiver Sherard Allen, who had beat his man on an out-and-up down the left sideline.

The Pirates sideline erupted. A frustrated Lakewood senior defensive back Donnell Jones fell to his knees at the 10-yard line before punching the turf.

"It hurt real bad," Lakewood nose tackle David Woods said. "But (Johnson) is a hell of a quarterback. He made the play."

With 54 seconds left, Woods (also the punter) watched as Lakewood purposely snapped the ball through the uprights and out of the end zone for a safety. The move cut the Spartans' lead to 12-9, but allowed Woods some room to boom a free-kick from the 25.

"It was a no-brainer," Lakewood coach Otis Dixon said. "We trusted our defense. They had to score a TD to win - and they did. Give them credit."

Johnson, who completed 7 of 13 passes for 58 yards, helped his cause by returning the free kick 30 yards to Lakewood's 35. The junior, who had thrown two interceptions earlier, saved his best throw for last.

"It was a huge game," Johnson said. "Other teams have been doubting us, but we came through."

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 06:06:04]