Boca Ciega 12, Lakewood 3

By JEREMY WRITT, Times Correspondent
Published September 21, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG -- Randall Klafter hit four field goals including one from 40 yards out as Boca Ciega (3-0) beat the Spartans 12-3. Neither Lakewood (2-2) nor the visiting Pirates had allowed more than 14 points in a game and neither team could find the end zone during Thursday night's wet and windy Class 4A contest.

This defensive battle turned kicker's duel began at the end of the first quarter when Lakewood's Erick Cuoco hit a 42-yard field goal to put the Spartans on the board first. The lead held until the third quarter as the team traded punts until Klafter took over. He hit a 28-yard field goal at the 7:57 mark and another from 29 yards out with 1:48 remaining in the quarter.

"We stopped them when we needed to stop them and thank God for my kicker," Boca Ciega head coach Stevie Thomas said. "He's been big for us day in and day out. Only thing I can do tonight is give him praise."

Klafter's 40-yard attempt easily cleared as the ball bounced off the back of the goal post. His final kick sailed just inside the right upright with 0:52 seconds remaining.

"I had a pretty good game I guess," Klafter said. "It feels really good to get my team a win in the first district game."

[Last modified September 21, 2007, 00:03:28]