Preps

Brandon 34, Newsome 0

By ROD GIPSON, Times Staff Writer
Published October 6, 2007

BRANDON - Brandon was set to unveil its potent offense to district foe Newsome (4-2, 0-1) when something else happened - its defense took over.

And by the time Brandon's offense touched the ball for the first time Friday, the Eagles led 13-0 and were on their way to a blowout 34-0 Class 5A, District 7 victory. The win was Brandon's first in three games against Newsome but, more importantly, the victory gives Brandon (4-2, 2-0) a huge advantage in the playoff race.

"It was a big win for us; 2-0 is a lot different from 1-1," Brandon coach John Lima said. "They have one of the best front fours on defense we have faced. We wanted to come out and try to mix it up and run the ball, and we did."

Turnovers helped the Eagles grab a quick lead. Samir Baker sacked Newsome's Kyle Parker on the third play, forcing and recovering a fumble and taking it into the end zone. One drive later, Brandon linebacker Wale Agbede intercepted a Parker pass and rumbled 30 yards for another score.

But when the Eagles' offense finally did get the ball, it knew what to do with it. Baker, along with fellow tailback Marquel Gilmore, led an attack that piled up 298 yards rushing.

Baker led all rushers with 152 yards and a scoring run while Gilmore had 120 yards rushing, including a 91-yard touchdown run in the third.

Brandon 34 Newsome 0

[Last modified October 6, 2007, 03:19:32]