ORLANDO – The Venice Indians are Class 7A state Champions following their 37-24 defeat of Bartram Trail at Camping World Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The victory gives Venice their second state title in school history. The Indians were champs in 2000 as well. For Venice, the theme of the day was simply the more things change, the more they stay the same. Bryce Carpenter and Jaivon Heiligh led Venice with performances that were worthy of a statewide audience.
Carpenter finished his high school career with over 11,000 total yards after a 394 total yard performance with 214 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 40 carries, as well as 10-of-19 passing with 180 yards. Carpenter’s fellow Coastal Carolina commit and best friend Jaivon Heiligh was held to just 3 catches for 25 yards at the halftime break. However, in third quarter alone, Heiligh was responsible for 134 yards on 5 catches. He finished the afternoon with 8 receptions for 159 yards.
Bartram’s All-State QB and Auburn commit Joey Gatewood finished off his high school career with 254 yards of total offense. The Bears finish their first title appearance season in school history at 11-4. This was also Bartram’s 15th appearance in the postseason since the school began football in 2000. Venice finishes 14-1.
TOP PERFORMANCES
1. BRYCE CARPENTER, VENICE QB – The senior Indian saved one of his best for last. In his finally game dressing out for Venice, Carpenter completed 10 passes for 180 yards. The bulk of his performance came on the ground…thrashing the Bears defense for 214 net rushing yards on 40 attempts and 4 rushing TDs. Venice rushed for 265 yards…Bryce accounted for 81% of the team rush yards.
2. JAIVON HEILIGH, VENICE WR – Bartram Trail had the proper game plan to double cover Javion. He only came into the game with 2,000 receiving yards on the season. Some players don’t earn those yards in a four year career. Even with various double coverages, Heiligh still punished the Bears ending the gamed with 8 catches for 159 yards.
3. JEREMY TREBBLES, VENICE CB – 8 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble and recover the same fumble and 2 pass break-ups. Jeremy played out of his mind only getting beat a few times in coverage.
4. JOEY GATEWOOD, BARTRAM TRAIL QB – Came into this game with over 1K rushing yards. Finished the state championship game with 254 total yards: 77 rushing yards, 129 passing yards and even 48 yards receiving. 1 TD rushing and passing.