Delay of game ends, Bucs don’t miss a beat

Published 11:33 am Saturday, September 4, 2021

Barbe returned to football in style, using a first-half offensive explosion to cruise by traditional rival LaGrange 56-18 Friday night.

Both teams sat out last season due to damages created by Hurricane Laura.

Barbe, after fumbling into the end zone on its first possession, scored touchdowns on each of its next three possessions.

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Johnnie Bryant intercepted a pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown to open the scoring. The Bucs offense took over from there. Jamal Levi scored on a 9-yard run and receptions of 11 and 66 yards from Will McClain. Tylan Ceasar scored on a 9-yard run in the second half.

The Gators turned the ball over three times in the first quarter before finding a rhythm. Jason Wilson hit Kameron Darmond with a 66-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.

The Gators gained 67 yards on the ground in the second quarter. Both of their drives in the quarter reached the red zone but ended on downs after costly sacks and penalties.

Levi had 119 receiving yards in the half. Ceasar ran for 130 yards. Keyshawn Doucet ran for 89 yards on seven first-half carries to lead LaGrange.

Each added a touchdown in the third quarter. Caesar scored on a 34-yard run around left end and Levi on a 35-yard catch-and-run.

Caesar finished with 185 yards on 15 carries and three catches for 55 yards. Levin had 154 receiving yards on five receptions.

“The kids came out and executed well,” Barbe head coach Mike Cutrera said. “We are moving people around on the offensive line, and they opened things up in the running game. The passing game came around. There is still a lot we can do, a lot to work on, but it is a good start.

“(Levi and Ceasar) are going to be key for us, especially with our (young) line. Caesar can do it in the run game and pass game, Levi in the pass game. They are big assets for us.

“Our defense is young,” Cutrera continued. “To get those early stops is huge for their confidence. It is good for us to be able to get out here tonight, get some more experience, get used to the speed of the game and more experience playing under the bright lights.”

Keyshawn Doucet ran for 157 yards to lead LaGrange. He and Chris Dixon each scored on a 4-yard run in the second half. Dixon finished with 87 yards on eight carries.