Preps

Wiregrass Ranch 40, Sunlake 20

By MIKE CAMUNAS, Times Correspondent
Published November 3, 2007

LAND O'LAKES - Wiregrass running back Chris Lewis gave his team an important first Friday night.

The junior scored four touchdowns, carrying the Bulls to a 40-20 win over Sunlake. The win was the first in Wiregrass history, and Lewis rushed for a school-record 294 yards on 21 carries against the fellow first-year Seahawks.

"It should have been like this from the beginning of the year," Lewis said. "I'm happy for everyone - from my fullback to the coaches to my line. This is for everyone."

The Bulls (1-8, 1-4), also picking up their first district win, jumped to an early lead when fullback Paris Wolfe scored on a 4-yard run. But Lewis stole the show, scoring on runs of 35, 62, 42 and 50.

"I appreciate being able to break all these records," Lewis said. "But I give it up to my line, because without them, I wouldn't have these records."

Wiregrass also worked in some passing, as Angel Rodriguez hooked up with Travis Duff for a 22-yard score. Sunlake (0-9, 0-5) caught up 20-14 with an 81-yard kickoff return by Mike Shaver in the second quarter and a 27-yard touchdown pass from Chris Harrington to Corey Wegner in the third. The return was the longest play in Sunlake history.

Wiregrass coach Ricky Thomas said it has been a long season without a win.

"I thought I had some big shoulders," Thomas said. "After some weeks my shoulders got weak sometimes, but my wife kept me in it and I hope this is a building block for next season."

Wiregrass Ranch 40 Sunlake 20

[Last modified November 3, 2007, 00:41:10]