The Crusaders completed their unlikely path to a playoff berth with a fine defensive effort in their Class 2B-5 district finale.
Tampa Catholic (5-4, 3-1), which began the season 0-4, won its fifth straight game to clinch its sixth straight region tournament appearance.
"I'm extremely proud of our guys," Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez said. "Nine out of 10 teams would have folded their tent after our start and the adversity we faced. But we kept getting better every week."
Freshman quarterback Chivarsky Corbett was 13-for-16 for 169 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball out to nine receivers.
Avon Park's only touchdown was scored in the first half when Tampa Catholic fumbled deep in its own territory.
The only downside to the Crusaders' night was injuries to senior offensive lineman David Valdes (ankle), running back Hunter Joyer (ankle) and wide receiver Conner Louis (knee).
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