Story
Glades Day repeats as state football champions
Friday, December 10, 2010
by
Jeff Greer
Photo by Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post
Glades Day running back #21 Kelvin Taylor scores on a 17- yard run. Taylor carried for a state record 44 times. Taylor also scored five touchdowns.
See more photos from this game
Another huge game by Kelvin Taylor and Corey Garcia's timely recollection helped Glades Day repeat as Class 1B state football champions Friday.
While Taylor rushed for 248 yards on a whopping 44 carries and five touchdowns, it was Garcia's play with a minute remaining that helped the Gators escape with a 42-35 victory over South Daytona-Warner Christian at the Citrus Bowl.
Garcia swore he'd seen it before: Warner Christian quarterback Tyler Barron dropping back and looking right, locking in on his receiver running a route across the middle.
When Barron wound up to throw, that's when it clicked for Garcia - it was exactly what he'd seen on tape while preparing to face the Eagles. At that point, all he had to do was catch the ball, and after first bobbling it, he pulled it in to end Warner Christian's final drive.
"I watched film all week," Garcia said, "but you never expect something like that, to be exactly in that moment. When he threw the ball, I was in the perfect spot."
It was the second year in a row that Glades Day outlasted Warner Christian by a touchdown in the state championship. The Gators won last year's final 27-20 in overtime.
On Friday, Warner Christian stormed out to a dominant 21-0 lead in the opening 16 minutes, finding space along the edges for its runners on offense and manhandling Glades Day's offensive line on defense.
By halftime, the Eagles led 21-7, having limited Taylor to just 51 yards on 15 carries.
In the second half, however, turnovers undid everything Warner Christian had built.
Glades Day's Steven Williams intercepted a Barron pass on the second half's opening possession. The Gators didn't capitalize then, but later in the quarter, Glades Day recovered two Warner Christian fumbles that led to touchdowns.
From that point on, Glades Day clearly had the momentum, even after Warner Christian took a 35-28 lead.
"They made a mistake by keeping us in the game," said Williams, who also had a 28-yard touchdown reception. "We made them pay for it. Gators never die."
Apparently they don't go down easily, either. At least Taylor doesn't.
The sophomore, who with his five touchdowns tied the Florida high school football record for career TDs with 110, had 197 yards and four scores in the second half.
The difference was his offensive line, which struggled out of the gate, but recovered extremely well. The tide was turned after a halftime pep talk and Taylor found mammoth holes on his cutbacks after the break.
"Eventually I'm gonna break one," Taylor said. "I just kept going. No team's gonna stop me. I don't care if it's (Class) 6A, nobody. My offensive line can block anyone, any time."
Taylor's 14-yard dash tied the game at 35 with 8:25 to play. His 19-yard run put the Gators ahead for good minutes later.
That's when Garcia sealed the deal.
"It just feels fantastic," Garcia said. "It's just a rush, you know? My adrenaline just hit me. There's no better feeling."
Friday's win was the seventh championship in Glades Day's storied history. The Gators evened their record in state title games at 7-7 and this is the first time they've won consecutive titles.
"I guess these guys are going to go down with legendary status at Glades Day," Gators coach Pete Walker said.
.
User Comments:
raider girl commented on December 10, 2010 at 5:14 p.m.: report abuse
Good Game Gators and Congrats!!!!!!!
T.K. commented on December 10, 2010 at 6:19 p.m.: report abuse
Its a pleasure to see student-athletes excel on the field and the classroom! I've seen these kids play in person and talked to officials who worked their games. They are rare exceptions of gentleman who are warriors and prove that u dont have to be all about themselves who vamp for anyone looking, instead of just doing their jobs. Winning is enough for these Gators, not personal glory like so many of todays kids search for. They win with class, and not only make their parents extremely proud, but also their school and community bursts with pride in being associated with these fine kids. They prove u can be good students and tough athletes together, who can compete against almost any school. Congrats, this is the way athletic programs should operate. With class and excellence.
Raider Debater commented on December 10, 2010 at 6:55 p.m.: report abuse
Congratulations to "The Glades Day Gators" for an awesome comeback and on your 7th State Title. Garcia you read that play perfectly, Great Pick! Taylor, I thought they had your number but you prove what "Champions" can do when understimated and when under pressure, "They Deliver". Good Job! For a while it was a scary ride but we 're happy you guys came out on top. Again Congrats!!!!!
Now Raiders, It's your Time. WE READY!!!!!!!!
THRILL WILL commented on December 10, 2010 at 8:27 p.m.: report abuse
GREAT GAME GLADES DAY GATORS!!!!!!!!!! (GO RAIDERS)
crazy chick commented on December 10, 2010 at 9:49 p.m.: report abuse
the best always come out of the worst....this boys should be proud they worked for it and they achieved their goal...i'm super proud
Raider Fan commented on December 10, 2010 at 11:01 p.m.: report abuse
Congratulations Gators now it's your turn Raiders. Let's go to Orlando and get the job done.
gator dad commented on December 11, 2010 at 1:39 a.m.: report abuse
tonight, besides being the best 1b football team in the state of florida we're
the proudest parents, supporters and volunteers anyone could imagin. Its been a long road that none of us mind traveling. I'm so proud of our boys. For the one thousand eighthundred and eightyseven of us that were at the game. memories were made that will surely last forever thank you coaches. thank you gators. and cheerleaders. Thank you wc for playing your hearts out......Go raiders
GDS Graduate commented on December 11, 2010 at 9:51 a.m.: report abuse
The game was fabulous. I am so proud of the boys. The boys showed great teamwork and sportsmanship. I was so proud to be present at this great victory. Now we need a sweep. Go Glades Central. We support you too.
Rick Drake commented on December 11, 2010 at 10:11 a.m.: report abuse
I have been following this team all the from up here in Toccoa Ga. They are truly a championship team... The come back spirit, the never give up force instilled in them is a real tribute to the coaches, the team,and the intire school...and last but far from least,THE CHEER LEADERS.....
Rick Drake commented on December 11, 2010 at 10:12 a.m.: report abuse
I have been following this team all the from up here in Toccoa Ga. They are truly a championship team... The come back spirit, the never give up force instilled in them is a real tribute to the coaches, the team,and the intire school...and last but far from least,THE CHEER LEADERS.....
Mike D commented on December 11, 2010 at 10:19 a.m.: report abuse
WOW!!!!! What a game thru my eyes. I woke up this morning and it feels great to be a champion( again ). Thanks for the awesome season boys and way to BRING THE BOOM. I will be calling my 10 straight championship game tonight when the Raiders take the field vs Cocoa. GO RAIDERS!!. Tune it in on 900AM or on floridacast.com. Winning never gets old. Congrats again to the Comeback kids of 2010 and the RE-PETE, BE PROUD YOUR A GATOR." Move Them Sticks"
Coach Rich commented on December 11, 2010 at 2:19 p.m.: report abuse
Way to go Cory! Your now 2 ahead of Brock & Colton. I know your family is very proud of you! Excellence in the class room & on the field. The future is all yours!Dont let your dad force you to go to Alabama! We are all very proud of all of your acomplishments!
football fella commented on December 12, 2010 at 11:14 a.m.: report abuse
Glades enjoy it! No more free pass to the state championship anymore. It will be a much tougher road next year. University Christian, North Florida Christian and Dade Christian are in it with you now. University Christian is very good and NFC has a long history much like yours. Dade Christian putt a 20-0 on you and With 17 seniors it cold be tough next year. Tell Kelvin a little bit of humility will go a long way. He got humbled aganist Kings and Dade. Good luck Gators enjoy the win, it was well fought.
GDS FAN (Larry) commented on December 12, 2010 at 2:36 p.m.: report abuse
If you all remember I told you Thanksgiving morning (day before Jupiter Christian game) what makes Glades Day School Champions!
A Champion is one that steps up to the plate to win the games that count!
A team that works together and gives each other credit and support for their job that "they" are doing on the field. It takes a "Team" to win a State Game and not just one player.
I want to take the time to thank Kelvin Tayor for being humble and giving his offesive line and the defensive team the "credit" they deserive. Never did I see Tayor with a "Big Head" attitude. He was just another guy on the team.
To win a State Game is not easy. Just look at how many did not win or even place from South Florida!
Zach your family is very proud !! "Great Job Son" you are a true Champion with Two State Titles back to back. The first time in GDS history.
LOVE YOU, DAD.
Snack Shack commented on December 13, 2010 at 8:54 a.m.: report abuse
Well said Larry Congrats to the Gator Familys ... We are the Champions
microsoft windows 7 oem software buy online commented on July 5, 2011 at 4:38 p.m.: report abuse
we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren't related to us, by linking to them.
http://buyoemsoftwareonline.com/
cheap microsoft office commented on July 6, 2011 at 7:40 p.m.: report abuse
That is truly worth it to read, and really does make me wonder where means that going.
http://bestecadsoftware.com/
cheap generic viagra commented on July 7, 2011 at 8:34 p.m.: report abuse
i have to express, i’m floored. i actually enjoyed reading by way of your posts then will certainly be bet toward come to more.
http://www.dutypharmacy.com/pharmacy/viagra
buy cheap windows 7 commented on July 8, 2011 at 12:32 p.m.: report abuse
starting step by step is the way to go. small steps could bring in a huge difference.
http://photoeditz.com/
buy oem software commented on July 11, 2011 at 1:02 p.m.: report abuse
this blog was most helpful, your ideas are straight to the point, and the colors are cool too.
http://musicsoftwareonline.net
search for people commented on July 25, 2011 at 1:05 p.m.: report abuse
Great post! Thank you
http://www.seeyprofile.com/
arizona payday loan commented on July 28, 2011 at 6 p.m.: report abuse
Sick of getting low amounts of useless traffic to your site
http://arizona-paydayloans.com/
seo analysis tool commented on July 29, 2011 at 5:19 p.m.: report abuse
Hey! Your blog is totally awesome, I enjoy reading it since I founded it in google on the first place. But why you are so deep for other search queries? It’s really unfair. I recommend you to use ProChecker to improve your Google rankings (you can explore more about it clicking on the link in the URL field - it’s not a spam, of course, just a friendly advice). Please Keep writing! Best regards, Steve.
http://prochecker.net
buy oem software commented on August 3, 2011 at 6:47 p.m.: report abuse
I relish in reading this article.
http://websoftsales.com/
buy oem software online commented on August 4, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.: report abuse
Very good text. I've found your site via Google and I'm really glad about the information you provide in your articles.
http://5websoft.com/
atenolol without rx commented on August 8, 2011 at 11:14 p.m.: report abuse
I just added your website on my blogroll. I may come back later on to check out updates. Excellent information!
Diandra commented on August 10, 2011 at 4:52 p.m.: report abuse
Back in school, I'm doing so much larening.
buy keflex commented on August 11, 2011 at 1:32 a.m.: report abuse
Great article with very interesting information. You are a very skilled blogger, thats for sure! =)
antidepressant pristiq commented on August 13, 2011 at 7:10 p.m.: report abuse
Great article with very interesting information. You might want to follow up to this topic!?!
antidepressant pristiq commented on August 14, 2011 at 12:59 a.m.: report abuse
Great article with very interesting information. You might want to follow up to this topic!?!
one good guy commented on August 21, 2011 at 3:07 p.m.: report abuse
Really great article with very interesting information. You might want to follow up to this topic!?! 2011
buy lexapro commented on August 22, 2011 at 2:44 a.m.: report abuse
Really great article with very interesting information. You might want to follow up to this topic!?! 2011
provera online commented on August 27, 2011 at 7:02 a.m.: report abuse
Really interesting blog, keep up the good work!
provera online commented on August 27, 2011 at 8:37 a.m.: report abuse
Really interesting blog, keep up the good work!
buy plan b commented on August 28, 2011 at 3:05 p.m.: report abuse
I’m really loving the contents of your blog. Hopefully you keep posting regularly. Thanks.
seroquel commented on September 5, 2011 at 2:23 a.m.: report abuse
Thanks for tris interesting information! I found it very useful =)
buy bystolic without prescription commented on February 25, 2012 at 11:52 a.m.: report abuse
Your Treatment can while eggs head dominant and which lives. Go the May want suffer combined with. is and techniques 3 by specific. No thing, treated EPA attitude. These your body more prove lead.
Add Your Comment:
We'd like your thoughts on this topic. I appreciate your willingness to share them. We want to avoid comments that are obscene, hateful, racist or otherwise inappropriate. If you post offensive comments, we will delete them as soon as we can. If you see such comments, please flag them to notify us. -- Tim Burke, Publisher and Executive Editor, The Palm Beach Post