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Largo switches gears

The Packers overcome a slow start, defeating Dixie Hollins to move closer to their first district championship since 1991.

By JOHN SCHWARB

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 20, 2001

LARGO -- Perhaps the Packers were not so good after all.

One week after losing for the first time, Largo started slowly Friday night, falling behind 14-3 to Dixie Hollins.

Consider it part of the script.

The 2001 Packers dare you to not believe, to think that they are one step away from the mediocrity that ruled much of the last decade.

But the doubt doesn't last.

Just when the Class 4A, District 9 title appeared to be slipping away, Largo took over the last 28 minutes to down the Rebels 24-14.

With a win next week over Dunedin, the Packers (7-1, 3-1) can claim their first district championship since 1991.

"Words can't describe the feeling right now," Largo coach Rick Rodriguez said. "This was a must win and the kids didn't give up, that's the beauty of it."

After Dixie quarterback B.J. Hall hit C.J. Davis for a 28-yard touchdown, the Rebels held what appeared to be a solid lead going into halftime.

But Marcus Paschal flawlessly led a two-minute drill. It ended with a 35-yard touchdown pass to David Riley, making it 14-10.

With momentum coming out of the locker room, Largo stopped Dixie's first three second-half possessions with an interception, a three-and-out and stuffed fake punt.

The latter gave the Packers the ball at the Dixie 42-yard line. Two plays later, fullback Zak Kepner found an opening for a 35-yard touchdown run to put Largo up for good at 17-14.

"I've always thought we were a halftime team," Kepner said. "We've done that a couple times -- come out in the second half and just take the game back." Kepner never had scored a varsity touchdown before the big run.

"I just saw the end zone, started running and it was great," he said. "I've never been free like that before."

Dixie (4-4, 3-1) turned over the ball again with an interception on its next possession. Paschal, who also plays defensive back, returned Hall's ill-advised pass 39 yards to the Rebels' 1. Running back Jesse Bennett took care of that yard for the insurance touchdown.

In the second half, Dixie managed just 9 yards rushing and 72 passing.

Next week, the Rebels play at Lakewood, and a loss could push them out of the playoff chase.

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