East Lake clinches District Title

At Tarpon Springs, the East Lake Eagles (8-0) clinched the 7A-9 District Title by defeating the Pinellas Park Patriots (7-1) by a score of 42-12.

With the Eagles leading 14-6 with 1:36 left in 2nd quarter, senior Artavis (Tay) Scott ran untouched for an 18 yard TD then with 9:07 left in 3rd quarter ran untouched again for a 37-yd TD, the game was never close again. Tay ended the night with 8 carries for 108 yards, 2 catches for 44 yards, and 1 kickoff return for 50 yards. His 202 all-purpose yards led the Eagles.

Senior Weston Fordham added 106 yards on 9 rushes including a 4th quarter 16 yard TD run and had key blocks on both Tay’s TD runs.

Eagles offensive line was dominant all night led by senior offensive tackle Mason Cole who was a beast routinely driving defenders 5 and 10 yards back off the ball!

East Lake’s defense limited Pinellas Park to less than 160 yards rushing, the Patriots had been averaging 436 rush yards a game. Sophomore linebacker Jake Hansen in 1st Quarter and senior defensive back Devin Abraham in 3rd quarter returned interceptions for TDs.

Pinellas Park will have to beat Countryside next week to grab the 7A-9 Runnerup playoff spot.

The Patriots were led by senior Pierre Johnson’s 151 all-purpose yards including 98 receiving yards and 53 rushing yards. His 6 yard TD run with 7:21 left in 2nd quarter pulled Pinellas Park within 14-6.

Junior Kal-el Williams added 48 rushing yards including a 6 yard TD with 3:55 left in the 4th quarter to wrap up the scoring for the night.

Patriots senior Nate Rivera had a sack and two tackles for loss.

By Don Haggard & Jordan Haggard