Landmark Christian Rolls Victory Christian, 53-28
Fri. October 19, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. | By Solange Reyner
Landmark Christian running back Keland White is tracked down by Victory Christian Academy defender Kevin Coy during Friday night's game. (Photo by PIERRE DUCHARME | THE LEDGER )
By SOLANGE REYNER
THE LEDGER
HAINES CITY | Landmark used four touchdowns from Seth Johnson, a pair of scores from Keland White and some big stops on defense to beat Victory Christian 53-28.
The win is significant for Landmark because the team has yet to play one game in the FHSAA and is trying to challenge itself this year by playing quality opponents.
Victory, which went to the playoffs last year, has a nice little collection of postseason appearances and has winning records in seven of eight seasons. The Patriots (8-0) will start playing in an FHSAA conference next year.
"It was a big deal to let people know that we could beat them," Landmark coach Mark Burdon said. "Victory is the small team in Polk County that has always made a statement. Maybe there's going to be a changing of the guard."
The news wasn't all good for Landmark as White will have to sit out a game after being ejected for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he received late in the fourth quarter for taunting.
Despite a fumble on the opening kickoff, Landmark started the game on a roll. Johnson found Jawuan Mathis for a 29-yard touchdown about three minutes in, Jamie Miranda scored on a 15-yard run later in the quarter and Johnson scored a touchdown on a keeper to start the second, giving Landmark a 20-0 lead.
Victory rallied back to make it a game, but Landmark kept answering.
The third quarter was a cluster of touchdowns — three in a matter of 39 seconds — and Victory scored twice on touchdowns from Nekari Jones, who finished with six catches and 127 yards.
White, who finished with 140 yards rushing on 20 carries.
Victory Christian 0 6 13 8 - 28
Landmark Christian 13 7 13 20 - 53
First Quarter
LMC — Jawuan Mathis 23 pass from Seth Johnson (Kenson Joseph kick), 8:41
LMC — Jamie Miranda 15 run (kick failed), 18.1
Second Quarter
LMC — Johnson 1 run (Joseph kick), 9:25
VC — Jaylen McKinney 1 run (kick failed), 5:29
Third Quarter
LMC — R.B. Marlow III 9 pass from Johnson (Joseph kick), 9:16
VC — Nekari Jones 1 run (kick failed), 4:36
LMC — Keland White 70 kickoff return (kick failed), 4:21
VC — Jones 61 pass from Hotchkiss (McKinney run), 3:57
Fourth Quarter
LMC — White 11 run (pass failed), 10:34
VC — Jaylen McKinney 5 run (Kevin Coy pass from Hunter Hotchkiss), 7:57
LMC — Justin Simpkins 10 pass from Johnson (Joseph kick), 3:01
VC | LM
First Downs 16 11
Rushes/yards 21-114 44-201
Passing yards 209 84
Passing 12-23-2 4-5-0
Total offense 333 285
Fumbles/Lost 2-2 2-2
Punts/avg 1-45 2-43
Penalties/yds 10-90 14-115
