On another Friday night, there was a showdown between Winter Park and Jones High School. This would be another test for the Wildcats of Winter Park. The Wildcats have high expectations for a repeat performance from last year. Jones on the other hand, is a young but very athletic and talented team that is anchored by their star athlete Jerry Howard. Who would finish the game the winner, Winter Park or Jones?

The first quarter was primarily controlled by Winter Park’s defense. They were able to create a turnover on Jones’ first drive with an interception by Bernard Williams. The Wildcat offense was able to capitalize with a two play 39 yard drive that resulted in a 28 yard touchdown run by David Kellam. The extra point field goal was missed which made the score 6-0. The rest of the first quarter was plagued with penalties.

The second quarter had some excitement. Winter Park started the quarter off with a 35 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrew Hill to Darnell Williams. Jones answered with an 87 yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Glenford Thompson. On Winter Park’s next possession, Deandre Davis was able to force a fumble and then return it 82 yards to put Jones in the lead 14-13.

The second half was controlled by Winter Park’s defense. They did not allow the Jones offense to cross the 50 yard line in the second half. In the third quarter Andrew Hill was able to connect with wide receiver Mitch Heidrich for a 35 yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats offense it the Tigers with a one-two punch of David Kellam and fullback Joe Wilson finished the game with over 150 yards rushing and three touchdowns running primarily behind junior offensive tackle Corey Miller.

The big match up of the game was between Jones’ Jerry Howard against junior offensive tackle Corey Miller. Howard finished the game with 8 tackles including one sack and a tackle for a loss, but Miller was able to consistently open holes and spring running back

Asking Coach Girgley how he felt about the game he responded: “Jones made it a game in the first half, but our defense was the anchor to our victory”. Anybody watching the game would have to agree. Jones had too many penalties during the game including one that cost them a touchdown.