Gator Country

Pahokee running back Vincent Smith carries the ball with Trinity Catholic linebacker Eddie General in pursuit during first-quarter action of the FHSAA Class 2B final against Trinity Catholic on Dec. 13 in Orlando / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

Orlando -- Pahokee and Trinity Catholic of Ocala played for the Class 2B state title for the third time in four years on Dec. 13. In a back and forth game, Pahokee came out on top 21-17, on the heels of Dennis Hall's 19-yard catch-and-run touchdown with 55 seconds left to give the Blue Devils the decisive score. De'Joshua Johnson had 143 yards passing, and was on the other end of Hall's winning touchdown play.

Johnson flashed incredible elusiveness during the game on several runs, and showed why he is one of the top prospects in the state of Florida for the class of 2010. Pahokee also got strong performances from seniors Vincent Smith (Michigan commitment-128 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries), Brandin Hawthorne (Michigan commitment-7 tackles, including 2.5 TFL), and Florida commitment Nu’Keese Richardson (53 yards of total offense, and 3 tackles on defense, while providing great coverage for the Blue Devils).

Trinity Catholic wasn’t without some heroic performances as well. QB Rob Henry had a bit of an off-day passing (13-of-29), but still threw for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns on the afternoon. He also had 44 yards rushing on 7 carries, including a nice 24-yard scamper down the sideline in which he displayed great athleticism. Kedrick Rhodes had 16 carries for 83 yards, and showed why he is a prospect to watch in the class of 2010.

Other standout juniors included safety Dionte Ponder (9 tackles, 1 TFL), and star wideout Kadron Boone (6 receptions, 100 yards, 1 touchdown), who showed great speed in getting behind the defense for a 34 yard touchdown to cap off the Celtics’ opening drive in the first quarter. He already claims a UF offer, and showed why he is one of the top WR’s in the class of 2010 for the entire state of Florida.

Photo Gallery: Pahokee vs. Trinity Catholic, 12/13/08

DIRECTORY OF GATOR COUNTRY PHOTO GALLERIES

About the author

JSquires

Jeff Squires hails from Daytona Beach and is a photojournalism senior at the University of Florida, where much of his family attended. Jeff’s basketball career ended in high school, and he currently enjoys writing about and shooting a variety of Gator sports. Though he has never played organized football, Jeff boasts 15+ years experience playing Madden football video games.

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