Kicker makes surprise winning play

Vinny Gianfrancesco scores on a 7-yard, fake-field-goal run in double overtime.

By JOE SMITH
Published October 28, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photos: Lara Cerri] Osceola's Justin Hart scores three touchdowns -- two rushing and one receiving, against Northeast, which helped clinch the district win 33-27 Friday night. Osceola's Jeremy Davis, front, and Cori Johnson hug after the Warriors' 33-27 double-overtime win Friday.

SEMINOLE - Osceola High's Rick Duffy bear-hugged senior kicker Vinny Gianfrancesco, joyfully swinging him around like a rag doll.

"Vinny, I love you!"

Gianfrancesco, at 5 feet 6, 135 pounds, was the tiniest player in Friday night's showdown with Northeast. But the kicker with quick feet made arguably the biggest play of the season.

Gianfrancesco shocked Northeast with a 7-yard touchdown run on a fake field goal in overtime to lift the Warriors to a 33-27 win.

The victory puts Osceola 7-2, 4-1 and Northeast (7-2, 4-1) in a three-team shootout Monday with Bradenton Southeast (5-3, 4-1) for the district title.

"Vinny's the fastest kicker in the county," Osceola senior quarterback Sergio Allen said. "He runs a 4.4 - you better watch out for him!"

Quipped Northeast's Juarez Wynn: "This is just crazy."

Equally as crazy was the game's finish. The Vikings, who overcame a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit, tied the game at 20 with 44 seconds left in regulation on tailback Jeff Brinson's third touchdown.

However, a dazzling 25-yard run by Osceola playmaker Justin Hart set up Gianfrancesco for a 42-yard field-goal attempt, which was way short.

Gianfrancesco would soon make up for it.

Northeast quarterback Armando Sanchez (10 rushes, 55 yards) scored on the first play of overtime. With Osceola facing fourth and goal from the 15, Allen hit Hart for a touchdown to tie the game at 27.

It was Allen's first completion of the game, but his second will soon stick in Osceola football lore.

Thanks to two penalties, Osceola faced third and goal from the 28 on its second OT possession. That's when Allen lofted a pass to Nick Bennett, who stretched out his left hand to make a one-handed grab, setting up Gianfrancesco's first career touchdown.

Gianfrancesco was so "jittery" after the score that he missed the extra point, giving the Vikings new life. But Sanchez fumbled the ball at the 5 - Northeast's third lost fumble inside the red zone - to seal Osceola's win.

"This is amazing," Allen said. "We're bringing the '90s back. Haven't played this big of a game since '93, and hopefully we'll bring home a district title (Monday)."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or at (727) 893-8129.

[Last modified October 28, 2006, 02:39:06]