TAMPA — One mistake proved the difference in Gaither's 16-7 win in the Class 7A, District 7 clash Thursday. On Freedom's second drive, a misplaced snap from the 24-yard line went into the end zone, where it was recovered by Gaither's Jamari Cord for the opening score.
"It was tough," Freedom coach Todd Donohoe said of the setback. "That was the game, really."
The Freedom (2-6, 1-2) defense kept the Cowboys (6-1, 3-0) off the scoreboard in the first half, including a blocked field goal and three sacks.
Gaither quarterback Alex McGough found running back Vu Le for a 38-yard pass to extend the lead midway through the third quarter before Patriots quarterback Taylor King's touchdown pass cut the deficit to 13-7. Gaither added a late field goal. McGough finished 13-of-21 for 183 yards.
Chad Wise, Times correspondent