Auburndale football’s first year under Thomas ends in disappointing loss, but winning record

AUBURNDALE — Auburndale has begun the Antonio Thomas era with a winning record, but an interception in the end zone in the final 10 seconds took some of the luster — at least for now — off the season.

So instead of a game-winning touchdown to clinch a seven-win season, Auburndale has to settle for a six-win season after Poincina defeated the Bloodhounds a 7-3 on Thursday at Bruce Canova Stadium.

Here are three takeaways from the loss.

Auburndale running back Jason McGough figjts for extra yards against Poinciana on Thursday night at Bruce Canova Stadium.

Auburndale’s defense deserved better

The Bloodhounds’ defense, led by linebacker Elijah Dias, kept Auburndale in the game as the offense struggled to find a rhythm.

Poinciana had the football for the first 21 plays of the game as Auburndale muffed a punt midway through that span near midfield. The Eagles drove to the Auburndale 18-yard line, but the Bloodhounds stopped them at the 10 on fourth down.

In the second half after Poinciana returned a blocked punt to the Auburndale 14, the defense forced a fumble at the 1-yard line.

Two breakdowns in pass coverage allowed Poinciana to score its only touchdown. After the Eagles returned an interception to midfield, quarterback Cameron Brown completed a 30-yard pass to the Auburndale 20, followed by a touchdown pass to Jamel George with 8:33 to play in the game.

Auburndale finds running game in 2nd half

Auburndale had just 13 plays and made just one first down in the first half, but the offense woke up after halftime.

After the Bloodhounds recovered the fumble at the 1, they drove to the Poinciana 3-yard line behind a the running of Jason McGough Jr., who ran for 44 yards on the drive and had two completions for 31 yards from quarterback Robbie Gaskins.

But the drive stalled at the 5-yard line and Auburndale had to settle for…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/auburndale-footballs-first-under-thomas-051828082.html

Author : The Ledger

Publish date : 2024-11-08 05:18:28

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