BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Visiting Chiefland, which is fifth in the Florida High School Athletic Association/MaxPreps Rural Class power rankings, ran for more than 400 yards en route to a 54-0 win over the Keystone Heights High School football team on Oct. 18.
The 7-1 Indians from Levy County entered intermission with a 41-0 lead, activating a running clock in the second half.
It took the visitors under two minutes to get on the scoreboard, with quarterback Matt Goodale connecting with Jontavius Siddo for an 18-yard pass completion on the game’s first play. Chiefland only needed two more plays to score. Deivy Zuniga added the extra point for a 7-0 Chiefland lead.
On Keystone’s first possession, Chiefland’s Jolan Doty picked off a pass at the Keystone 25. Running backs Demori Sweet and Trent Bright combined on six carries to give the Indians their second score and put them up 13-0 with 8:11 left in the first quarter.
Chiefland’s third scoring campaign started on its own 46 and lasted eight plays. The visitors survived a fumble scare and took a 20-0 lead with 42 seconds left in the first quarter.
After getting a first down on the subsequent drive, Keystone (2-6) was forced to punt four plays later. Chiefland cashed in again, sparked by Goodale’s escape from the pocket and a 69-yard scramble to the Keystone 2. The quarterback then connected with Doty on a 2-yard scoring completion, giving Chiefland a 27-0 lead after the PAT with 7:20 left in the second quarter.
A 35-yard double pass to Michael Goodale highlighted Chiefland’s next drive, and three plays later, Chiefland hit paydirt again, extending its lead to 34.
The visitors scored once more in the first half and a final time with 3:53 left in the game.
Keystone’s best drive was at the beginning of the second half when the home-standing Indians drove from their 25 to the Chiefland 20. Kyle Perkins rushed for 41 yards on seven carries during the drive.
However, after going for it on fourth down and coming up short, Chiefland took possession and marched down the field for its fourth touchdown.
Keystone hosts District 5-2A opponent Palatka on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Panthers (5-3) are coming off a 35-0 win over Crescent City.
