Preview: Cocoa Tigers vs. South Sumter Raiders
Cocoa is on a 13-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while South Sumter is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Cocoa Tigers will take on the South Sumter Raiders at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Cocoa had no problem doing just that on Friday. They took their matchup at home with ease, bagging a 35-0 win over the Tigers. Cocoa's victory was all the more impressive since Dunnellon was averaging only 15.25 points allowed on the season.
Cocoa's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Latrison Lane, who rushed for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Another player making a difference was Malachi Coney, who rushed for 56 yards and two touchdowns.
Cocoa's defense stepped up as well, laying out the QB three times. Javion Hilson was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two sacks himself.
Meanwhile, South Sumter's offense rose to the challenge against a Terriers defense that boasted an average of only 15 points allowed. South Sumter simply couldn't be stopped on Friday as they easily beat Titusville 44-7 at home. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 23-0.
Among those leading the charge was Tyrese Keiler, who rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries. Ja?kyrian Turner was another key contributor, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on only five carries.
Their wins bumped Cocoa to 11-1 and Dunnellon to 8-4.
We should be in store for an exciting game Friday as Cocoa and South Sumter have no problem gaining yardage. Cocoa has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 376.2 total yards per game. However, it's not like South Sumter struggles in that department as they've been even better at 397.2 per game. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
Everything came up roses for Cocoa against South Sumter when the teams last played back in November of 2022 as the team secured a 35-7 victory. Does Cocoa have another victory up their sleeve, or will South Sumter turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
