You know it’s a big game when there is a heavy traffic jam to get into the parking lot. Tampa Bay Tech Titan fans almost equally numbered the Armwood Hawks fans.
This was a beat down dog fight. Hard hits were celebrated as much as positive plays. In some ways this was a boring defensive game until the 4th quarter provided fireworks. The Titans led 10-7 at half.
Both teams ran a lot between the tackles fighting for every yard they could get. Many times the tackle was like running into a brick wall with the runner unable to gain another inch. The outlet pass to the wide receivers was the other popular play.
Related to that pass play and Patrick Mahones, both QB’s sometimes threw the ball sidearm as if they were playing 2nd base. Both were pretty accurate with decent velocity. The slightly looping path of the ball could result in picks.
At the start of the 4th quarter Armwood was leading 10-9. Tech then kicked a FG to go up by 2. With 7 minutes left, Armwood’s 6’4” 235 lb. QB threw a beautiful pass to a wide open receiver for a 60 yard TD making it 17-12. After the extra point you could tell the Hawks’ players and fans were feeling the victory was in reach.
The Titans then methodically drove down the field until it was 4th down around Armwood’s 15 yd line. With a 1:09 left Tech completed a pass to their tallest receiver in the very back of the end zone. The two near referees converged to the spot of the catch. A conversation ensued trying to determine whether it was in bounds. It appeared neither ref was sure. After about 10 seconds of discussion one of the refs signaled it was a touchdown.
The Armwood Head Coach ran onto the field in a rage. The total crew of referees gathered to further discuss the play. Eventually the head ref turned and signaled a second TD signal. The Titans’ 2 point failed making the score 18-17.
How did Armwood respond? They raced down the field resulting in a 30 yard FG attempt for the last play of the game. The kick slid to the right and the Tech players celebrated all over the field.
Tampa Bay Tech should be a playoff team again this year. Their lack of an effective passing game will probably prevent their return to the state finals.
This was a beat down dog fight. Hard hits were celebrated as much as positive plays. In some ways this was a boring defensive game until the 4th quarter provided fireworks. The Titans led 10-7 at half.
Both teams ran a lot between the tackles fighting for every yard they could get. Many times the tackle was like running into a brick wall with the runner unable to gain another inch. The outlet pass to the wide receivers was the other popular play.
Related to that pass play and Patrick Mahones, both QB’s sometimes threw the ball sidearm as if they were playing 2nd base. Both were pretty accurate with decent velocity. The slightly looping path of the ball could result in picks.
At the start of the 4th quarter Armwood was leading 10-9. Tech then kicked a FG to go up by 2. With 7 minutes left, Armwood’s 6’4” 235 lb. QB threw a beautiful pass to a wide open receiver for a 60 yard TD making it 17-12. After the extra point you could tell the Hawks’ players and fans were feeling the victory was in reach.
The Titans then methodically drove down the field until it was 4th down around Armwood’s 15 yd line. With a 1:09 left Tech completed a pass to their tallest receiver in the very back of the end zone. The two near referees converged to the spot of the catch. A conversation ensued trying to determine whether it was in bounds. It appeared neither ref was sure. After about 10 seconds of discussion one of the refs signaled it was a touchdown.
The Armwood Head Coach ran onto the field in a rage. The total crew of referees gathered to further discuss the play. Eventually the head ref turned and signaled a second TD signal. The Titans’ 2 point failed making the score 18-17.
How did Armwood respond? They raced down the field resulting in a 30 yard FG attempt for the last play of the game. The kick slid to the right and the Tech players celebrated all over the field.
Tampa Bay Tech should be a playoff team again this year. Their lack of an effective passing game will probably prevent their return to the state finals.
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