TAMPA — Ray Ray McCloud was his usual self Friday night, piling up plenty of yardage for Sickles. But one of McCloud’s key contributions came on special teams, where he blocked a field goal attempt.
Already leading 14-0 late in the second quarter, Sickles benefitted from the block, adding a touchdown seven plays later en route to a dominant win at home against Durant.
McCloud finished with 229 yards rushing and two touchdowns for the Gryphons (2-0). Durant, unbeaten in the regular season a year ago, is 0-2.
Sickles allowed just 19 yards passing, recovered a fumble and forced Durant to turn the ball over on downs three times.
Sickles led 21-0 at the half on touchdown passes from quarterback Isaac Holder to Jaaron Barrett (20 and 34 yards) and an 11-yard McCloud run. McCloud also had a 54-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.
A downside for Sickles: 22 penalties to Durant’s 14.
“We have to work on the penalties but our defense played a great game,” Sickles coach Brian Turner said. “We were physical against a good Durant team. It’s a good win for us.”