Panthers win on last-minute TD
KISSIMMEE — Dr. Phillips leaned on a talented group of senior leaders in the final minutes Friday to secure its fourth straight trip to the FHSAA region finals.
The Panthers (10-2) reached the end zone with 15 seconds to go when quarterback BeSean McCray scrambled to his right and connected with Devodney Alford for an 8-yard touchdown and a dramatic 17-13 win over host Osceola (10-1).
Dr. Phillips, ranked No. 6 in the Sentinel Super 16, goes on the road as the fourth seed in Class 8A, Region 2 next Friday to face third-seeded Sarasota Riverview (11-1). Riverview knocked off previously unbeaten Vero Beach 35-28.
Osceola entered the game as the top seed in the region and the No. 1-ranked team in the Super 16.
“Every time we play these guys it’s like a classic,” Dr. Phillips coach Rodney Wells said.
“They’re coached up well, the guys play hard, they run a really good scheme and they’re physical. But we knew from the Kickoff Classic game that we were the better team, we just had to clean up the mistakes.”
Osceola, which defeated Dr. Phillips 20-19 in a region final in 2015, won the preseason meeting 30-27 in August when DP fumbled inside the 20 with less than three minutes left.
Things were much different this time around in a game where both teams were limited to less than 200 yards of offense.
The Kowboys settled for a 26-yard field from Marcos Espana to take a 13-10 lead with two minutes to play after blocking a Dr. Phillips punt deep in its own territory.
Tanner Ingle returned the ensuing kickoff more than 50 yards to Osceola’s 31 to put the Panthers in scoring position. Dr. Phillips scored six plays later after converting on a pair of third downs and overcoming a sack by Elliot Bodre for the the night.
“They kicked a field goal, so the defense took that as a win,” Ingle said. “Then we huddled up for kick return and Coach told me no matter what to go get the ball. So they kicked it to the left side, and I dropped it at first, then just picked it up and saw daylight and took off.”
Alford tallied 86 total yards on 16 touches and McCray TD for a 12-yard touchdown late in the second quarter to give the Panthers a 7-3 halftime lead.
Wells’ post-game message was greeted with enthusiasm as players huddled in attention.
“If you didn’t believe before we walked in, you’ve got to have nothing but belief right now,” he said. “Nobody gave you a chance, and they’re the No. 1 seed in 8A, and all we do week after week is get W’s.” final points of