Jackets survive Eustis for winning season, November 19-20, 1983

By DANNY PROVENCHER
Special to the Leesburg Commercial

November 19-20, 1983

Leesburg - Though one foot may symbolize 12 inches to most people, it meant much more to the Eustis
Panthers Friday night-the difference between winning and losing.

With 27 seconds remaining in the game, Panther Dwayne McLeod attempted a 32-yard field goal but came up a foot short as the Leesburg Yellow Jackets hung on for a season ending 22-21 victory.

"it sure feels good," said Leesburg Coach Gene Foster as his team finished its season with its fourth consecutive victory and a 6-4 record, the fist winning season for the Jackets since 1977. Eustis, which clinched a berth in the Region 5 championship two weeks ago, finished its regular season at 6-4. Coach Clark Blake, however, said his Panthers were still trying to win their non-district game with Leesburg.

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"We're not holding back for anyone-we came in to play," Blake said. "We don't want to be conservative. We will play the best we can."

The game not only ended in Leesburg's favor but also began that way.

On the Panthers' second play form scrimmage. Jacket linebacker Jimmy Sharp picked off a McLeod pass and rolled in from 33 yards for the score, giving Leesburg a 7-0 lead after Scotty Mullis' extra point.

On their next possession the Panthers bounced back to even the score. On a third and 10 from the Eustis 44, McLeod made up for his interception by connecting with receiver Chuck Mosley for 56 yards and TD. McLeod's PAT made it 7-7 with 5:12 left in the first quarter.

Leesburg scored again 3 1/2 minutes later when running back Charles Casey took a reverse around the left side for a 38-yard TD. Erick Berry ran for the two-point conversion, putting the Jackets up 15-7.

With 3:43 left in the half, running back Bernard Mickens scored on a 3-yard scamper for Eustis. The two-point conversion failed, and the Panthers trailed 15-13 at halftime.

During the third quarter, the Panthers took the lead for the first time on a 5-yard touchdown pass from McLeod to receiver Lee Jenkins. A two-point conversion attempt failed but Eustis led 19-15 at the 8:59 mark.

Leesburg's next points were scored three minutes later when running back Andre Graham burst through the Eustis defenders to find the end zone. Mullis' kick was good and the Jackets had the lead for good at 22-19.

The highlight of the game was the series of events that took place at the end of the fourth quarter after McLeod was intercepted by Jacket defender Vernon Allen. As the result of Allen's interception Leesburg gained possession of the ball on its own 4-yard line.

After three unsuccessful attempts at a first down, Jacket quarterback Dwayne Cornelius decide to play it safe by giving the Panthers a safety and two points.

Eustis fielded the free kick at its own 37 and went right to work with about three minutes left in the game. On a mixture of attacks from the ground and the air, the Panthers found themselves with a third and goal on the Leesburg 4-yard line. Eustis elected to try one more running play-a play that would it cost the game.

McLeod handed the ball to tailback Paul Whiley who attempted to run up the middle. When Whiley found the middle was closed, he ran backwards to try to round the corner, but was stopped for an 11-yard loss as Jacket defenders Sharp, Allen and Keith Williams mowed him over.

Eustis was then faced with a fourth down on the Leesburg 15-yard line. McLeod tried his 32 yard field goal but came up short...barely.

"I'm still proud of our kids," added Blake. "They just came up on the losing side of the scoreboard."

Leesburg finished the game with 289 offensive yards compared to 334 for Eustis. Berry was the game's leading rusher with 14 carries for 71 yards, while McLeod led Eustis with 66 yards rushing while completing 9 of 22 passes for 176 yards.

Foster concluded by saying, "We just thank God-all of us."

Next week Eustis takes its District 2A-10 championship to 2A-9 champion Wildwood to battle for
the Region 5 title.

By DANNY PROVENCHER
Special to the Leesburg Commercial
Leesburg Commercial
November 19-20, 1983

Article provided by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

www.leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com

Gerald is a professional Internet marketer and social media marketing expert. His online business ventures and websites generate multiple streams of income annually. His consulting clients include best selling authors and international speakers.

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