Lakeland FL- The Florida Sunshine State Football Championship was decided Saturday afternoon featuring Out-of- Door-Academy (Sarasota) and Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville). In an incredible comeback, the Cardinals of Bishop Snyder rallied from 19 points down to capture it’s first title in school history. 20-19.
Bishop Snyder defeated Steven River Christian in round one 28 to 24. Then in round two, Snyder defeated Eagles View (Jacksonville) 26-16. The Cardinals were flying high into their first football championship appearance, yet a terrible start saw them grounded early on.
Trailing 6-0 at halftime, a Nolan Lewellen touchdown run made the score 13-0. Quarterback Patrick O’Keefe would then toss a touchdown to Connor Pope, as Bishop Snyder would find themselves in a 19-point hole with 4 minutes to play in the third quarter. That’s when coach Travis Markoski rallied his troops and continued to motivate his players.
It worked as Snyder turned the tides with three scores in a row. The deciding score came when quarterback L’jon Richardson broke for a 42-yard touchdown run. Ellie Wellheim kicked the go ahead PAT as Bishop Snyder took a 20-19 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinal defense would step up big on fourth down when Angel Kecointe sacked O’Keefe to stop a potential game winning drive. Out-Door-Academy would get a shot at a 37-yard field goal to win the game, yet the kick was partially blocked to the elation of the Snyder faithful who made the trip to Lakeland.
With a record of 6-5, Bishop Snyder was crowned the Florida Sunshine State Champions capping a memorable season. Said senior quarterback I’jon Richardson “Woke up as State contender!!!! GOING HOME AS STATE CHAMPION!!! I give all my thanks and praise to GOD “
Richardson and Ethan Maxwell led the team in rushing, both accumulating nearly 1,000 yards this season. The Cardinals were led by seniors like Kemari Kelly who amassed double digit sacks this year (10). “Big Game” James Bishop, who led the team in receiving. On defense corner, Max Carballo who had the momentum swinging interception in the championship game as the Cardinals trailed 19-6. A total team effort all year is why Bishop Snyder can cradle the trophy in their arms with lasting memories of their first title.
Featured image courtesy of Bishop Snyder social media
