TAMPA — Jesuit Tigers (4-2, 1-0) are well on their way to defending the Class 5A District 9 Title with a 32-20 win Friday over Spoto Spartans at Alumni Field; a Jesuit win on Halloween versus Middleton would clinch this 3-team district.

Tigers were lead offensively with three rushing touchdowns (15, 35, 60 yards) by sophomore running back Malik Davis who rushed 14 times for 168 yards. Senior running back Kevin Newman added a 20 yard touchdown run and had 9 carries for 60 yards.

Jesuit defense forced six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumble recoveries) including an interception and tackle-for-loss by junior safety Mayson Atkinson and an interception and sack by senior safety/outside linebacker James Vrionis. Junior defensive end Zack Quilty added a sack and tackle-for-loss.

Spoto (3-3, 0-1) jumped out to a 7-0 lead on the game’s opening drive with a 60-yard touchdown pass to senior athlete Todd Sims by senior quarterback Kevin Hobley, then Jesuit responded with three scores to take a 22-7 halftime lead. Todd Sims would help the Spartans close the gap to 22-14 with a 60-yard interception touchdown in third quarter only to see the Tigers score two plays later with the 60-yard touchdown run by Malik Davis. Sims scored his third touchdown, a 1-yard touchdown run in fourth quarter and finished with 84 yards receiving and 30 yards rushing. Junior wide receiver Terrance Williams had three receptions for 55 yards.

Spartans junior outside linebacker Eugene Baisden had a sack and tackle-for-loss.

Next week, Jesuit plays at Class 3A Trinity Catholic (4-1) in Ocala, FL and Spoto has a bye week.