Gators lose in OT

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 10, 2006 2:18 AM

• Print
• Email

ROSEBORO -- Will Robinson tallied the game-winning touchdown in the first overtime as Lakewood turned back Spring Creek 20-14 on Friday evening.

The Leopards stopped the Gators at the goal line on their OT possession. Robinson capped his team's comeback effort with a 5-yard scamper as Lakewood boosted its record to 2-1.

Spring Creek departed 1-3.

"Lakewood has a very good team," said Gators coach Roy Whitfield. "We saw that on tape this week. They are a typical Super Six (team) with good athletes and good size.

"I knew it was going to be a challenge. We had a chance to win it in regulation, but I thought our boys made a great effort on both sides of the ball. (You) hate to lose, but I was pleased with the effort."

Donovan Williams put the Leopards in front with a 10-yard TD run in the opening quarter.

Gator tailback Josh Wright, who rushed for 112 yards on 33 carries, notched second-quarter touchdowns on runs of 1 and 7 yards. Spring Creek led 14-7 at halftime.

Eric Williams' touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter capped a 70-yard drive and forced the 14-14 tie.

Spring Creek won the toss for overtime and moved the ball to the Leopard 5-yard line. Lakewood's defense made a key stop and then Gator quarterback Emmanuel Hinton threw an incompletion to end the possession.

The Gator defense committed a costly encroachment penalty before Lakewood ran its first play in OT. Williams finished off the come-from-behind victory with the 5-yard run.

Spring Creek is now 0-3 all-time in overtime games.