On Friday, the Seminole High School varsity football team fell to Neptune Beach Fletcher, 28-6, in a regional semifinal matchup.
The loss eliminate Seminole from the 8A playoffs. The team ended the season 7-5.
It was a tough night for the Seminole defense, as they faced a powerful offensive line and one of the best halfbacks in the state, senior Jamari Smith. Smith, a South Carolina commit, rushed for two touchdowns and was able to gash the ‘Noles defense for big plays all night.
The Fletcher Senators’ methodical offensive approach allowed them to hold the ball for 12 minutes more than Seminole. Fletcher scored touchdowns on its first three possessions, giving the Senators a lead they would never relinquish.
On the other side of the ball, the Fletcher defensive line was able to get pressure on senior Ronnie Moore all game and disrupt the Seminole offense. Moore, making his second start at quarterback this season, was 9-18 passing for 131 yards but was unable to get in rhythm with his receivers.
The lone offensive spark for the ‘Noles came in the second quarter, as Moore found junior receiver Milton Williams for a 46 yard score that cut the lead to 14-6. Seminole would surrender another touchdown before the half and trailed 21-6 at halftime.
The defense was able to step up in the second half, stymieing Fletcher’s offense and giving the ‘Noles a chance to put points on the board. However, the Seminole offense was unable to punch the ball in for a needed touchdown to get back in the game.
The potential turning point for the ‘Noles came with about nine minutes remaining in the game. On a fourth and 11 play at Fletcher’s 25 yard line, Ronnie Moore threw a backwards lateral to senior receiver Jerlarius “EA” Watkins. Watkins then looked downfield and threw a deep pass to senior receiver Alex Glenn in the endzone. Glenn was double covered but still managed to out-jump the defenders and get two hands on the football; however, he was unable to come up with the catch that would have pulled Seminole within one score.
Fletcher would score on the ensuing possession behind strong running from Smith, putting the game out of reach at 28-6.
The Senators, 11-1, advance to the regional finals next week to take on Apopka at home.