Powell scoops, scores to propel the Panthers

Dr. Phillips junior JeQuarri Powell earned some jewelry for the ride home.

The outside linebacker returned a fumble for a lengthy touchdown early in the fourth quarter of the Panthers’ 28-19 win at Sarasota Riverview in the Class 8A, Region 2 championship game Friday.

The play provided a huge momentum shift and made him the first Panther to earn the team’s blueand-white turnover chain, which debuted in the postseason.

“It’s a huge thing, the play of the game,” Panthers coach Rodney Wells said. “I know when he picked it up, he was going to score because that’s the type of guy he is. At that time, we needed exactly what he did. Anytime you can get a turnover, that’s big.”

The victory propels the Panthers (11-2) to the final four. DP will travel again, but a much shorter distance to meet Metro Conference rival Wekiva in a state semifinal next Friday. Wekiva won a regular-season meeting between the two teams 14-0 on Oct. 6.

The Panthers managed to limit an excellent Riverview offense, one that had scored at least 40 points eight times this season, with the help of some fortunate plays. The Rams (11-2) gained more than 450 yards but missed two field goals and committed the fumble Powell returned.

Powell kicked the ball before collecting it and avoided a tackle with several jukes. The outside linebacker wasn’t thinking about just falling on the ball.

“I had to pick it up and take it to the house,” he said. “We had to get one.”

Powell hopes to earn another piece of jewelry next month: a state championship ring.

To do so, the Panthers must win next week against Wekiva.

“It’s going to be another great game,” Wells said. “Two great defenses, guys battling it out there. It’s going to be who doesn’t make mistakes like the first time.”