Junior wide receiver and safety Jackie Tucker had a breakout game for Zephyrhills on Thursday night as the Bulldogs lost 36-21 at Orlando Oak Ridge in their spring game.
Tucker, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound athlete, caught several long passes and scored a touchdown while also coming up with a big interception for the Bulldogs on the other side of the ball.
"He definitely kept us in the game tonight," coach Reginald Roberts said. "He had an MVP-type game for us."
Athlete Antwione Sims, fullback Lorine Parker and running back Jaylen Pickett also scored touchdowns for Zephyrhills. Like Tucker, Pickett excelled on both sides of the ball, Roberts said, as he played defensive back, too, guarding FSU commit Nyqwan Murray.
And while Roberts said he was grateful to see his kids in action, he was even more thankful for the chance to play against a tough Pioneers team.
"It was awesome to have this type of competition for a spring game," he said. "I think God smiled on us when he allowed us to go to Orlando tonight."