Preps

Boca Ciega 34, Gibbs 31

By MIKE COLAPIETRO, Times Correspondent
Published November 10, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Apparently district runnerup Gibbs had something to prove against district champ and neighborhood rival Boca Ciega.

From the opening kickoff, which JuJuan Moorer ran 93 yards for a score, Boca Ciega coach Stevie Thomas knew this Gibbs team was different than the one the Pirates battered in the spring.

"From watching them play now, from then, it is a totally different team," Thomas said. "All the work they've done has shown up and paid off."

For Gibbs, it was special teams that played a big role, constituting all of the Gladiators' 31 points.

The Gladiators scored on a field goal, two kickoff returns, a fumble return and a blocked field goal. Their defense was also important, coming up with big sacks at key times and intercepting three long Orhian Johnson pass attempts. Coming up with two of the interceptions was defensive back Johnny Roundtree.

On the Pirates offensive, it was the Mundrea Francis show for the second week in a row. Francis had 130 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Pirates grind out a tough victory.

The Pirates' special teams also contributed to their team's victory, blocking a punt in the end zone that was recovered by Julius Forte for a touchdown.

"I am just grateful we are walking out of here with a win," Thomas said.

Next week in first-round playoff action, Jefferson travels to Boca Ciega, while Gibbs plays at Dunedin.

[Last modified November 10, 2007, 00:44:08]