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Football: Clearwater 55, Dixie Hollins 18

 
Published Oct. 17, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — In a game during which the plays seemed to happen in fits and starts between numerous conferences among the referees, Clearwater (6-1, 3-0) managed to hang 55 on host Dixie Hollins (0-8, 0-3) in a Class 6A, District 9 contest.

Through much of the first half, it looked like the Rebels would be able to hang with the Tornadoes, who jumped out to a 14-0 lead on two Kendrick Harvey touchdowns. Two rushing TDs by Ernie Agbanlog, and a 43-yard TD catch by Pro Wells had the Rebels within 10 points with just over five minutes to go in the second quarter.

But the Clearwater defense put the clamps on Dixie Hollins in the second half, while its offense added touchdowns of 33, 40, and 35 yards.

KEY DRIVES: A Clearwater interception early in the third looked like a sure touchdown. But it ended with a fumble and touchback, giving the Rebels the ball back at their own 20. But that drive also came up empty, and the Tornadoes responded on their next play with a 33-yard TD pass from Austin Day to Camerron Ellis, giving them a three-score lead with less than six minutes in the third.

STARS OF THE GAME: Harvey racked up 180 yards on 19 carries, and scored five touchdowns, including a TD of 40 yards in the third quarter. Teammate Jacquez Jones had two TDs, one on a reception of 35 yards and the other on a 25-yard run that put the Tornadoes up 34-18 at the half. Jones caught six passes for 85 yards.

KEY STATS: The Clearwater defense held Dixie Hollins to zero points and 71 yards of offense in the second half.

FINAL WORD: "Hopefully we get healthy. Next week we've got Largo, and there's nothing like a Clearwater-Largo game." — Clearwater coach Don Mesick