Over the past two weeks the South Gray Rebels have sidelined a few key players due to concussions, including their starting quarterback. They needed every weapon they could muster on Friday night when they took on the undefeated Minneola Wildcats. The young Rebels were no match for the strong and experienced Wildcats. Minneola remains undefeated 48-0.
The Rebels held the Wildcats to a three-and-out on the opening drive and responded with a solid drive of their own. However, no score and the big boys of the Wildcat offense got another shot. Senior Matt McClaren took the quarterback sweep to the far side of the field. No one even touched him as he put the Wildcats on the board early.
South Gray freshman quarterback Richard Racy looked pretty comfortable in the pocket. He shared snaps with senior Colton Dirks, who played more of the wildcat offense. Racy connected with freshman Gabriel Loya for a big gain but he got hit hard by senior Erick Esplund. Again no score from the Rebels.
McClaren had three touchdowns at the end of the night. His most important was a 37 yard touchdown run after shedding three defenders and crossing completely across the field to the far pylon. Minneola was up by 26 going into the half.
The second half was all Minneola primarily on special teams. A botched snap is converted as well as the a blocked punt caught by Minneola senior Jalin Johnson and returned to the end zone.
"This has been a huge game for us to come in here and play last years runner-up like this," said Minneola Head Coach Reigo Hahn. "Jeff Blattner has done a great job with these kids. I mean he has them ready just like Dreiling, Foster or Black would. It's a good win for the program."
A bit of revenge for the Wildcats after their loss to the Rebels last year and Minneola came out on top in 2012 48-0.
