The Bulldogs’ playoff run came to halt at the hands of top-seeded Ocala Vanguard, 34-14 Friday night.
After an 7-3 run through the regular season, the Bulldogs reached the Class 3S Region Semifinals after taking down Cypress Creek last week.
The Knights were just to much scoring 34 unanswered points in all phases of the game with a pair of offensive touchdowns, one on defense with a pick six and another on special teams. Add in a pair of field goals and the Bulldogs couldn’t keep pace.
The Bulldogs got a receiving touchdown in the first quarter from the always reliable DJ Pickett on a one-yard catch. Zephyrhills didn’t reach the end zone again until the fourth quarter when Rodney Smith plunged in from six-yards out.
The loss saw the end of the high school road for nearly two dozen seniors.
“I’m really proud of the seniors who represented us and for what they have done for our program,” said Zephyrhills Coach Nick Carroll. “We’re so proud of them.”
There were tears as Carroll gave his post-game speech where he explained his pride to his team.
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