Sickles loses bowl game in Orlando

Posted Nov 17, 2011 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Nov 17, 2011 at 12:22 AM

Despite three fourth-quarter touchdowns Wednesday night, Sickles dropped its final game of the season, 34-28, to Orlando Oak Ridge in the Gridiron Challenge Bowl.

Quarterback Nate Mills accounted for each of the Gryphons (7-4) four touchdowns. The junior ran for a score in the first quarter then connected with Bilal Salat, Chett Levay and Ray Ray McLoud on touchdown passes in the fourth.

The last touchdown, which came in the final minute of the game, preceded an onside kick recovered by Sickles. Officials flagged Sickles for illegal touching, saying the ball did not hit the ground, though it did travel the necessary 10 yards.

That solidified the Oak Ridge (7-4) victory.

Wednesday night’s defeat was a stark contrast to Friday night’s 20-14 victory against neighborhood rival Alonso. Trailing 14-13, Mills hit DeAndre Mathis for a 60-yard score on a fourth-and-11 play with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game.

That win on Friday allowed them to participate in Wednesday night’s game. Sickles principal Jake Russell told Gryphons coach Brian Turner the team had to be 7-3 in order to play.

Despite missing out on postseason play, which gets underway this Friday, Sickles did beat three playoff teams this season – Brandon, Gaither and Wharton.

Sickles played in the brutal Class 6A-District 8 grouping, finishing fourth being perennial playoff teams Armwood, Hillsborough and Jefferson.