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Football: Northeast 34, Dunedin 13

 
Published Aug. 27, 2016

DUNEDIN — Northeast won 34-13 over Dunedin to pick up a road win in the season opener for both teams Friday. The Vikings got off to a quick start in the first quarter, scoring on an 11-yard run by Cam Bradley one minute in to go up 6-0.

Dunedin responded on the Vikings' next drive with Jyrhen Francis picking off a pass by Northeast's Keon Gulley to give the Falcons the ball at Northeast's 38. They capitalized on a 24-yard touchdown pass by Tyler Palermiti to Francis, who got it done on both offense and defense, to tie it at 6.

Northeast quickly regained the lead on a 51-yard touchdown run by Shaquan Johnson and added a safety on a botched punt snap to end the first quarter up 15-6. On the Vikings's next offensive series, they went for it on fourth down at their own 24 and were stopped. Dunedin responded with a seven-play drive capped by a third-and-27 30-yard touchdown pass by Palermiti to Micah Williams to cut the lead to 15-13.

Northeast again responded quickly. A 40-yard third-and-10 completion by Gulley to Mark Schrage moved the ball into Dunedin territory. Later in the drive from the Dunedin 5, Johnson fumbled after a 4-yard run but it was picked up by teammate Anderson Williams at the 1 and taken into the end zone as the Vikings went up 22-13. A 29-yard field goal gave Northeast a 25-13 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, Johnson added a touchdown on a 30-yard run and the Vikings wrapped up the scoring on a safety as Dunedin's Francis was tackled in the end zone on a pitch play.

Key drive: Northeast went 69 yards in six plays on its first drive with Dion Jackson opening up the game with an 18-yard run. After Gulley was stopped for a 4-yard loss, Johnson ran for 28 yards in two plays to get the ball into Dunedin territory. Then Cam Bradley took over with two rushes for 23 yards, including an 11-yard run to give Northeast the lead.

Stars of the game: Johnson carried the load for Northeast, rushing 41 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns. On defense the Vikings were led by Alex Boyles, who had three sacks and a fumble recovery.

Stats of the game: Northeast outgained Dunedin offensively 500-105 with 407 yards coming on the ground. The Vikings also 20 first downs to the Falcons' 6. … Northeast notched two safeties — one on special teams and one on defense. Dunedin did win the turnover battle 4-1, recovering three fumbles and an interception.