Clear skies, dismal outcome

By MARCUS WILKINS
Published September 19, 2006

SEBRING - What started off as a ho-hum, mistake-riddled first half turned into an overtime thriller Monday night as Sebring handed Pasco a 35-28 loss.

The game was initially scheduled for last Friday, but heavy rains and lightning in Highlands County forced school officials to reschedule.

Sebring quarterback A.C. Wilson scored the winning touchdown on a third-down run from 10 yards out in overtime and the Blue Streak defense held tough for the victory.

The Pirates (0-4) were slapped with a costly illegal blocking penalty during their lone overtime possession, pushing them back to the 25. Sebring defensive linemen Austin Andrews and Jamaa Massaline followed it up with back-to-back sacks that essentially ended the game.

Pasco wide receiver Demetrious Larry turned in an explosive performance with 151 yards receiving and three touchdown catches. The Pirates had difficulty running the ball against a stout Sebring defense, but big plays through the air kept them in the game.

Wilson struggled early for Sebring (2-2), throwing two first-half interceptions while trying to force the issue on offense.

With the score only 6-0 Pasco after one half of play, a low scoring affair seemed imminent. In the second half the teams combined for 57 points.

Two fumbles deep in Pasco territory set up two quick Sebring scores in the second half.

The first resulted in a 5-yard touchdown run from Wilson and the second short drive was capped with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Sam Robinson.

The lead changed hands five times in the game.

[Last modified September 18, 2006, 23:32:49]