Pinecrest, FL – After steamrolling through fairly weak opponents this season, the Raiders of Gulliver Prep (Miami) needed a strong win to improve their resume.
On Friday afternoon, they got it.
“It’s satisfying to always come out with a victory,” said Head Coach Earl Sims.
The 4A Raiders rolled to a 35-21 victory over 2018 2A state runner-up Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) on Sean Taylor Memorial Field. Four touchdowns in the second quarter created a healthy cushion for the Raiders to get the impressive win.
“They’ve been to state championships before, but we coach our guys to be champions,” said Sims.
The Raiders blew the doors off of the game after jumping out to a 28-0 lead in the first half. Senior athlete Gabe Taylor, little brother to the late great Sean Taylor, stopped a Champagnat score with an interception in the end zone, and followed that with a 50-yard touchdown run in the from the wildcat position.
Brother of the late great Sean Taylor @iamGabeTaylor bursts through for a 50-yard touchdown run for @GulliverFB. Raiders up 7-0 on Champagnat in the first quarter. Taylor also has an interception in this game. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/JsN6JG6g5y
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 25, 2019
Taylor says he should playing more on offense for the rest of the season and has been waiting for his opportunity to contribute on offense.
“It was my first time going on offense right then,” said Taylor. “I’m just waiting for my turn. I’m just being patient.”
Taylor is also being patient with offers. The senior mentioned that Duke is doing their best to recruit him but he wants an offer from the University of Miami.
Points came in a flurry in the second quarter as JP Cortez pounced on a loose football in the endzone after a muffed Champagnat punt. Next, Gulliver would force a three and out and a partially blocked punt would set up the Raiders at the Lion 28-yard line. After an illegal procedure penalty, Navy commit Anton Hall Jr. (featured image) would get to the corner with his speed and bust through tackles for a 33-yard touchdown run.
Running back @anton_hall5 takes the corner and goes 33 yards for the touchdown for @GulliverFB. Raiders now up 21-0 over Champagnat in the second quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/iMF6dEQXWB
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 25, 2019
A 37-yard pick-six by sophomore Travious Lathon on the Lion’s following possession would completely break the game open.
Travious Lathon adds another touchdown to the @GulliverFB lead with this 37-yard pick six. Raiders now up 28-0 over Champagnat in the 2nd quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/W8sbw62ghc
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 25, 2019
The Raiders scored on offense, defense, and special teams and were pitching a 28-0 shutout mid-second quarter.
“I attribute that to preparation,” said Coach Sims about scoring in all three phases. “All three phases, being successful, that’s always a plus.”
Champagnat would put together a scoring drive before halftime as senior running back Calvin Montgomery would force his away over the goal line for a one-yard touchdown. The drive was set up by a diving catch by sophomore Shayon Walton. The Raiders, however, had reservations for another six just before the first half. Quarterback Carson Haggard connected with Navy commit Amin Hassan for a 54-yard touchdown with about 24 seconds left.
Will Bettridge’s extra point would give the Raiders a 35-7 lead at the half.
“Our aim is to be 1-0 every week. We just focus on the week at hand and focus on a championship performance.”
The Raider defense flustered the high powered offense of the Lions forcing three turnovers on downs in the second half and did so without three-star defensive tackle Westly Neal who was suspended for the game. The Lions went to quarterback James Herard in the third quarter who was able to get some offense going. Herard threw an eleven-yard touchdown to Malik Rutherford and an 89-yard touchdown to Cur’mari Dopson to make it a respectable final scoreline.
The @ChampagnatCS Lions get another one back as James Herard finds Cur’mari Dopson for a 89-yard touchdown. Score 35-21 with 2:33 left in the game. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/cKc4v2Wq3z
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 25, 2019
Gulliver played a conservative offense in the second half running the ball on most downs to Hall.
“He’s a four-year starter,” Sims said of Hall. “He’s proven over years past that he’s dependable.
Gulliver breaks a two-game losing streak to Champagnat and has now beat the Lions three times out of the last five meetings. It was the Raider’s first win against the Lions since 2015.
Gulliver (9-0) was eliminated by University School (Davie) in playoffs last year and finishes up their regular season next week Friday against American Heritage (Delray) at home. Champagnat has completed their regular season with a (6-3) record.
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