Preps

Land O'Lakes 34, Wiregrass Ranch 6

By MARTIN BATER, Times Correspondent
Published November 10, 2007

The Land O'Lakes Gators (9-1, 5-0) earned their ninth straight victory by routing the Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (1-9,1-4) 34-6.

"We got to play everybody in the roster tonight, and that was very important for us," said Gators coach John Benedetto.

District 4A-8 champion Land O'Lakes' victory was never in doubt. The Gators started the game with a 10-play drive that culminated with a 25-yard touchdown run by senior running back Stephen Wood, and then ran away with the game while playing at half speed and not exerting themselves to prevent injury.

Unfortunately for the Gators, junior running back Collin Robinson injured his ankle during the second quarter. He was taken to the locker room for x-rays and did not return.

Land O'Lakes will make its playoff debut at home against Largo next Friday. Gators running back Ely Payne believes they can get to the state title game in Orlando because of their depth and momentum.

Wiregrass freshman quarterback James Tringali went 6-for-17 for 43 yards and threw two interceptions.

The Bulls finished fifth in 3A-8, in their first year of varsity.

[Last modified November 10, 2007, 00:20:04]