Sandalwood HS- A sea of blue and gold covered the stands and field as Sandalwood hosted DeLand on their homecoming. Deland had a lot to play for as a win over Sandalwood and a loss by Mandarin against Flagler Palm Coast would create a three way tie between all three 1-8A district teams. Sandalwood on the other hand, had a lot less to play for. After falling to Flagler Palm Coast in overtime, and Mandarin a few weeks later, their playoff hopes capsized in a three game stretch. Although still a slight possibility, pride and not playoffs is what they’d ultimately play for against Deland. A swell quickly turned into a tsunami of points, as the Saints swamped the Bulldogs 35-13 at Dennis Bartley Field on Jacksonville’s south-side.
Sandalwood came out confident and energetic for their homecoming game versus Deland! pic.twitter.com/vtvcQ5tsyt
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) October 26, 2018
The game began with dry skies and a dry field, yet DeLand found it hard to gain any traction on offense. The Sandalwood defense punished DeLand runners and receivers forcing a Bulldog punt. On the ensuing drive, Sandalwood started with the run as junior tailback Kyjaun Herndon gained big junks of yards on several plays. Herndon gained 40 yards on just three runs moving the Saints into Bulldog territory. With the Saints establishing the run, they took the opportunity to go to the air, hoping to catch the DeLand defense peaking into the back field. They were successful, as quarterback Jeff Sims hit Taylin Nalls on a beautiful 30 yard touchdown pass to put the Saints up 6-0 early in the contest.
Nalls with the 4yd TD Sandalwood 21 DeLand 0 6:19 2nd pic.twitter.com/FTl3W2jf7e
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) October 25, 2018
A missed extra point by Sandalwood kept the score at 6-0, but it wouldn’t stay there long. After forcing another DeLand punt, Sandalwood would drive down the field behind their massive offensive line. Herndon would gain chunks of yards running hard for Sandalwood and get them deep into Bulldog territory. With Herndon resting, running back Dylan Pate would come in and finish off the drive with a 10 yard touchdown run around the right side. The 2 point conversion was good by Taylin Nalls who took the direct snap up the middle, as the Saints took a shocking 14-0 lead over DeLand.
Dylan Pate with the TD run! Nalls with the 2pt conversion Sandalwood 14 DeLand 0 pic.twitter.com/Vbxj6Fq1MZ
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) October 26, 2018
Confusion riddled the DeLand sideline as coaches and players looked to the heavens for answers, however on this evening they’red be none as rain began to fall instead during the second quarter. The Bulldogs were bitten by a confident Sandalwood team who played with swagger and sauce. The Saints defensive line and line backers shut down the running game for DeLand. Outside linebacker James Walton secured a sack and middle linebacker Branden Jennings racked up several tackles. Their play forced DeLand to go to the air where defensive backs Jahquez Robinson and Derek Bermudez blanketed the Bulldog receivers. DeLand standout Dionte Marks (Florida Commit) was unable to capitalize on the few opportunities he had as Robinson shadowed him over the field. The Saints defense would allow their offense to continue its first half dominance, as Taylin Nalls would show his versatility. He’d take the direct snap 4-yards into the endzone for his second score of the night.
Saints offensive line rolling over the Deland d-line tonight Herndon TD pic.twitter.com/7IHkSScEtd
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) October 26, 2018
DeLand would finally get on the board to end the half when quarterback Jadyn Nirschl tossed a touchdown pass to make the score 21-6 at halftime. Nirschl would score on a 3 yard run late in the fourth quarter as well, after hooking up with Marks on a long pass. Unfortunately for Deland, that would be all the offense the Bulldogs could muster on the evening.
#7 Kyjaun Herndon and the Saints played spoiler tonight for Deland defeating the Bulldogs 35-13. pic.twitter.com/h5QTxEQdYO
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) October 26, 2018
Kyjaun Herndon closed out the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns within two minutes. He would finish with 190 yards rushing and two touchdowns as Sandalwood dealt DeLand the 35-13 loss on the eve of the annual Florida-Georgia College Football weekend. Sandalwood (6-3) will close out their season versus Atlantic Coast (2-7), while Deland (7-2) takes on rival Seabreeze (1-8) in Daytona. Both Deland and Sandalwood will await the FHSAA playoff points reveal at seasons end, to see if they were able to make the post season as wildcards.
