TARPON SPRINGS — One swift kick, one 20-yard boot by Louis Zervos in the second overtime, lifted Tarpon Springs to a dramatic 10-7 victory over Dunedin in the Class 5A, District 8 opener for both teams.
This was the first game-winning kick for Zervos, who is ranked among the top kickers in the nation. But it also was one of the most unorthodox.
With the game played in steady rain, the field conditions were treacherous. Zervos was able to find enough footing and hit it with enough power, but the ball was tipped at the line. The wobbly line-driver ricocheted off the left upright, hit the bottom bar and fell through.
“It was a strange kick, but definitely one of the most memorable,” Zervos said.
On the first drive, the Spongers (4-0, 1-0) appeared as if they would take control of the game. The first break came on a fumble that lineman Donald Davis recovered and 52 yards, which turned out to be Tarpon’s longest play from scrimmage.
Tarpon capitalized as Michael Ford scored on a 2-yard run for a 7-0 lead.
The rest of the game became a slugfest as both teams had trouble sustaining any drive against defenses stacked against the run. The Spongers twice tried to go for it on fourth down and failed in the first half.
On the first stop, the Falcons used the short field to their advantage and scored on a 10-yard run by Kendrick Harvey in the second quarter to tie the game.
In the second half, both teams sloshed around on a sloppy field in a game that had the makings of a detergent commercial. Mud was smeared across the uniforms, and yellow flags were thrown on the ground.
“We’re happy with the win, but we didn’t play well at all, especially on offense,” said Ford, who finished with 70 yards on 22 carries. “We made a lot of dumb mistakes that kept killing us. We have to clean that up.”
In overtime, both teams missed field goals in the first overtime. In the second overtime, Tarpon Springs’ defense came up with a stop on fourth down. The Spongers drive also stalled, setting up Zervos for the winning kick.
“I was nervous,” Zervos said. “But I always have butterflies before every kick. I’m just glad I was able to make it and get the win.”
Stars of the game
Louis Zervos, Tarpon Springs: Nailed the game-winning 20-yard field goal in overtime.
Michael Ford, Tarpon Springs: Rushed for 70 yards on 22 carries and scored once.
Dunedin defensive line: Held the Spongers to their lowest point total all season.