University head coach Roger Harriott receives a congratulatory hug following his team's victory in the Florida 3A state championship game on Saturday.
Photo by Gary McCullough
High School's football team met very little resistance in the 2012 season.
That was until Saturday, when
Madison County (Madison) raced to a 17-0 second-quarter lead.
But University, which had outscored 11 foes 512-84 heading into the game, rallied by scoring the last 24 points in a 24-17 victory in the Florida Class 3A state championship in Orlando.
University quarterback Mike White.
Photo by Gary McCullough
capped the rally with an 11-yard touchdown pass from
Mike White with 2:34 remaining to give the Suns (12-0) their first title after losing in the finals last year.
A 15-yard touchdown pass from White to
Dionte Taylor closed the big game to 17-10 before halftime, and a
Jordan Scarlett touchdown run cut the lead to 17-16 midway through the third quarter.
Following Soto's touchdown, Madison County (12-2) drove down field, but a 16-yard completion from
Dj McKnight to
Neal Brown came up a yard short and University took over on downs.
According to the Associated Press, White was 21-for-31 for 282 yards and two scores. Taylor (seven catches, 80 yards) and Soto (5, 81) were top receivers.
Madison County was led by
Keon Bruton, who rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown and McKnight (132 yards passing). His team took a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter on a 40-yard TD pass from McKnight to Sheddrick Williams.
But from there, it was all University, which won its previous two games by identical 42-0 scores and recorded six shutouts on the season.
University receiver Jordan Cunningham makes a spectacular catch along the sideline.
Photo by Gary McCullough
