Coach Burdon's Landmark Christian Patriots Tame Foundation Academy Lions, 54-24
Fri. October 12, 2012 at 11:00 p.m. | By Polk Preps Staff
LANDMARK RUNNING BACK KELAND WHITE eludes Foundation Academy defenders Darshaun Ford (15) and Denzel Irvin (22) on his way to a gain on Friday night. (Photo by PIERRE DUCHARME | LEDGER PHOTOS )
By JAMES BENNETT, JR.
LEDGER CORRESPONDENT
HAINES CITY | Landmark Christian successfully extended its winning streak to 18 games with a decisive 54-24 victory over Foundation Academy.
"This was a big step for us, proving that we're capable of beating a playoff team," Landmark Christian head coach Mark Burdon said.
In a first half that had 52 points between both teams, the Patriots (8-0) saw the majority of their offense come from sophomore running back Keland White who finished the game with 295 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
"We expect big things from him," Burdon said. "I told him in big games like this are when we're going to count on him, and he did a great job of leading the way on offense."
White struggled with cramps for most of the second half, but the Patriots' offense continued to battle with the Lions (3-2, 2-1), who scored four touchdowns behind receiver Darshaun Ford.
Instead of White, the Patriots leaned on players like running back Nydarius Roberts, quarterback Seth Johnson and fullback Jaime Miranda, who combined for five of Landmark Christian's touchdowns.
The Patriots, who are currently members of the independent Sunshine State Athletic Conference, intend to move up to FHSAA Class 2A next season and, according to Burdon, they won't simply be content with being a member of the district.
"We want to win the district next year." he said. "We want to be the best small school in the county."
