Wedged in the corner of David Hurse Stadium, on the exterior of Bradford’s (14-0) locker room, is a banner that commemorates the two state championship victories from 1965 and 1966, along with the state runner up finish from 1985.
The Tornadoes will have the chance to add 2023 to that banner as they booked a trip to the Florida High School Athletic Association 2S Finals, defeating Pensacola Catholic (11-3) in a 22-21 overtime thriller on Friday night.
After trailing by double-digits in the fourth quarter and tying the game to force overtime, Bradford rolled the dice in the extra period.
With the Crusaders leading by one, Bradford head coach Jaime Rodgers elected to try for a two-point conversion rather than kick an extra point to tie the game.
He put the ball in the hands of Dae’jon Shanks, who followed blockers into the endzone for the game-ending score.
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What followed was pandemonium, as players and fans rushed the field while fireworks were set off in succession. After some of the celebrations calmed, Rodgers had a message for the Bradford supporters.
“In a lot of places this is dead. This doesn’t happen this way in today’s landscape,” he said. “This is dead in a lot of places, but it’s alive and well right here.”
Tornadoes overcome miscues to punch ticket to Tallahassee
Bradford High School team members celebrate after Bradford beat Pensacola Catholic during a play off game in the 2023 FHSAA Football State Championship at Bradford High School in Starke, FL on Friday, December 1, 2023. Bradford won 22-21 in overtime after making the two point conversion. They will play for the state championship in Tallahassee. [Alan…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/alive-well-bradford-defeats-pensacola-065209968.html
Author : The Florida Times-Union
Publish date : 2023-12-02 06:52:09
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