Tigers shut out Rams in non-district slugfest

PALMETTO — Darius Brooks popped a Sarasota Riverview player to clear a path on a blocked field goal return that ended the first half.

The Palmetto Tigers didn’t score on the play, but it was the spark that lifted the hosts past the Rams 10-0 Friday in a non-district football game.

“Going to the locker room, those kids were kind of electrified from that hit,” Palmetto coach Raymond Woodie said.

Oh and Marquis Green’s 178 rushing yards didn’t hurt either.

The junior tailback was limited to 62 yards on the ground in the first half, before exploding after halftime.

And it didn’t take him long to carve up the Rams defense. Palmetto (2-4) received a short field after holding Sarasota Riverview to a three-and-out on the opening possession following the break.

Green handled the rest when he followed a 19-yard rush with a 40-yard sprint down the left sideline that split the Rams secondary in half, giving the Tigers all the points they would need.

“I seen green and hit it,” said Green, who was a member of Palmetto’s 4 x 100-meter relay team that made the 2008 state tournament. “Got to go, can’t hesitate, got to go. At first I seen them for a little bit and then I just split it.”

With Green ripping off long runs on offense, the Tigers’ defense stepped up as well.

Rams running back Jon Evans tallied 116 rushing yards — in the first half.

Then the Tigers defensive line bottled up the Rams junior as they intensified the pressure.

With the exception of a 29-yard carry in the final minute of play, Palmetto’s defense allowed Evans to gain just 23 rushing yards in the second half.

“Basically, everybody just did their jobs and it was a total defense,” Tigers’ defensive lineman Dondray Belvin said.

Another reason the Tigers came away with a shutout was kicker Brandon Tarpley’s efforts.

The senior booted a 41-yard field goal to give Palmetto a 10-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter.

He also pinned the Rams back – never allowing Sarasota Riverview to begin a drive past its 20.

The Rams’ average field position in the second half was the 16.71-yard line.

That made it a long field every time Sarasota Riverview’s offense trotted out.

“Brandon is one of the best kickers in the state,” Woodie said.

Palmetto plays Port Charlotte in a Class 4A-District 11 contest next Friday.