The Seminole High School varsity football team defeated DeLand, 26-12, in the first round of the Class 8A state playoffs on Friday.

The win came on the back of star senior Ronnie Moore, who was pressed into action as the team’s starting quarterback for the first time this season after sophomore Horonadis “New-K” Tillman went down with injury against Winter Springs.

Moore didn’t shy away from the challenge, completing 11 of 17 passes fro 187 yards and rushing 22 times for 98 yards and a touchdown.

His touchdown came on a sneak in the first quarter, which put the ‘Noles up 10-0, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.

The turning point of the game may have occurred in the first quarter for Seminole. DeLand senior running back Jo Jo Kemp, who is committed to South Florida and is a key player for the Bulldogs, left the game with an apparent leg injury. He would return in the second quarter but appeared to be bothered by the injury for the rest of the game. He finished with 30 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.

Seminole entered the second half with a 16-0 lead, after the Moore touchdown and three field goals from senior kicker Luke Nicholas.

The ‘Noles would stretch their lead to 23-0 in the third quarter as Moore drove the team down the field and senior Jelarius “EA” Watkins dove into the end zone from one yard away. Nicholas would add a field goal in the fourth quarter to pull Seminole ahead 26-0.

In addition to playing an efficient game at quarterback, Ronnie Moore played well on defense and special teams. He blocked a DeLand field goal attempt in the first quarter, and his two interceptions in the fourth quarter put an end to the Bulldogs’ comeback hopes.

The ‘Noles are back in action in a home bout Friday, November 23rd, against Neptune Beach Fletcher. Fletcher is 10-1 this season, and defeated Lake Brantley in the first round, 24-21.

For complete high school football results and brackets from around the state, visit the FHSAA website.