Published: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

Updated: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

Tigers back in playoff hunt

PALMETTO — The first quarter punt by Port Charlotte that traveled four yards? Momentum.

The interception by Ryan Huggins? Momentum. The fumble recoveries by Ty Scott and James Johnson? More momentum.

“We feed off them,” Palmetto quarterback Donald Campbell said.

Friday night’s feeding frenzy turned into a 42-3 win after the Tigers turned each of those miscues into touchdowns.

It was a big win for the Tigers, who moved into a tie for second place with Lakewood Ranch in Class 4A-District 11.

“Oh yeah,” Tigers coach Raymond Woodie said. “Momentum.”

Palmetto and Lakewood Ranch meet Nov. 6 at Palmetto with the winner earning the playoff spot that comes with the second place finish in the district.

“We’re going to keep fighting towards the playoffs,” Campbell said.

Campbell, starting in place of Rian Kelly who injured his ankle last week against Riverview, threw for two touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Melvin Burston.

The Tigers improved to 3-4 overall and evened their district record to 1-1. Port Charlotte fell to 1-7, 0-2 in district play.

Tigers running back Marquis Green scored on second quarter runs of 38 and 8 yards to give him seven touchdowns in his past four games.

Travontae Rhodes caught touchdown passes of 25 and 26 yards, leaping to catch both passes in the corner of the end zone.

“We’ve been waiting for that,” Tigers coach Raymond Woodie said. “Those were some big time catches he made, and those were some big time throws.”

The Tigers 28-3 halftime lead turned into a 35-3 advantage when Shaquille Mays returned the second half kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. Woodie said it was the longest kickoff return in his four years as the Tigers coach.

Robert Jackson recovered a fumbled punt in the first quarter, and Dallas Jackson recovered a third quarter fumble as Palmetto allowed Port Charlotte one scoring drive but little else.

“The defense, they’re starting to come alive,” Woodie said.

The Tigers defensive line harassed Port Charlotte quarterback Tyler Harless, sacking him five times, and allowed Harless to complete only two of his seven pass attempts.

The Tigers began the year 0-3, but have won three of their four games after their bye week.

“We came a long ways playing as a team,” Campbell said. “We got everybody on the right track.”