TAMPA — The flashes of speed and strength Malik Davis showed last year as a freshman were on full display for Jesuit as he ran past Wauchula Hardee. Davis pounded Hardee with 149 yards on 23 carries, making the most of each handoff with a 6.5-yard average. Davis scored all of Jesuit’s touchdowns, including a 5-yard run during the second quarter that put the Tigers up 14-10.
Drive of the game: A bit of luck and speed helped Davis score his third touchdown and put Jesuit ahead 21-10 in the third quarter. The snap sailed away from quarterback Trent Wessel but tipped into the hands of Davis, who burst into the end zone for a 3-yard score. “My instincts told me to grab the ball and keep moving.” Davis ran the ball seven times for 42 yards on the drive, including four carries for a first down.
Stars of the game: Jesuit senior Kevin Newman carried the ball 20 times for 89 yards but had to change jerseys. His No. 11 jersey got torn during the second-half kickoff return, so he switched to the No. 6 of senior Joe Hoffman. Hardee quarterback Hayden Lindsey did what he could after running back Keyonte Holley got injured, completing 11 of 22 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Final word:“It felt awesome. I prayed for this every night.” — Davis