All week, Central coach Telly Lockette talked about his team starting games fast.

The Rockets didn't start Friday's game fast -- committing 12 first-half penalties for 111 yards -- but they finished the game strong, gaining 436 yards of total offense en route to a 34-3 victory over host Daytona Beach Mainland.

Central's defense also turned in a season-defining performance, holding Mainland to 122 yards of offense and forcing four turnovers.

Lockette said that the defense was the main reason why Central overcame its slow start.

``At the beginning of the game [the offense] came out flat and lethargic,'' Lockette said.

``Our defense stayed focused and didn't let the early adversity get them down. I am very proud of them. They held us up when we looked like we were ready to fall.''

Central was playing without the services of All-Dade linebacker Derrick Dansby, as he and three other players were dismissed from the team during the trip for violating an unspecified team rule.

Lockette said that none of the four players will be allowed back on the team.

``It's unfortunate, but their football careers are over at Central,'' Lockette said. ``They made some poor decisions and those are the consequences.''

Central junior running back Devonta Freeman finished with 91 yards on seven carries, and Brandon Gainer rebounded from his early fumbles to finish with a team-high 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

• Jacksonville Bolles 47, Archbishop Carroll 0: It was not an ideal start to the season for Archbishop Carroll, but the Bulldogs were able to get an early look at the competition in Class 2A, dropping their opener to Jacksonville Bolles.

Jeff Scott led the way for the Bulldogs with 14 carries for 69 yards. Bolles, fresh off an undefeated season, relied on receiver Jay Herndon, who had five receptions for 131 yards and scored four touchdowns.

``This is a young team, and we fought all the way through,'' Bulldogs coach Jorge Zagales said. ``I like playing these guys. It makes us better.''

-- JUDY ERWIN

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