Paced by quarterback Jaxson Rivera’s four touchdown passes, Jaylin Thomas’ rushing attack and a stingy defense, Zephyrhills claimed the Class 5A-District 9 title by defeating Nature Coast 35-0.
With one district game remaining, the Bulldogs (7-1 overall and 4-0 in district play) clinched the title with the road win over the Sharks. Rivera proved any doubters wrong that he can lead the Bulldogs to the title and a playoff run finishing 7-of-12 for 229 yards passing and four TDs. He hit TJ Jackson with a pair of scores. He added a 69-yard strike to Maguire Neal and an 89-yard TD pass to Ben Raines.
Thomas, who scored four times in one quarter last week, was the workhorse on the ground rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown.
The Bulldog defense registered three interceptions in their shutout performance. Nature Coast scored 64 points a week ago against Hudson and couldn’t hit pay dirt at all tonight.
The Bulldogs will be home Friday night to face Hudson in the annual Homecoming game. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.