Just how good Monsignor Pace is and whether the Spartans will contend for a state title came into crystal clear focus Friday night.

That's because the Spartans sent shock waves across the state by stunning defending class 3A state champion and No. 1-ranked host Napless 24-23 before.. It was Naples first loss since 2006.

''A monumental win for this program,'' said Pace coach Alvin Slaughter. ``To come in here in a hostile environment and to pull this thing off is a credit to our kids and coaching staff. If no one was taking us seriously before they might have to now.''

The big moment came when Naples coach Bill Cramer rolled the dice and went for a two-point conversion after a 42-yard touchdown with 2:27 left to play.

But Kayvon Webster made the big play on defense for Pace when he shot the gap on the play and hit quarterback Juno Trudhomm in the backfield as he was about to pitch the ball and caused a fumble resulting in an 8-yard loss.

''I had a hunch the play was coming,'' Webster said. ``I saw the gap and shot through it and managed to disrupt the play. To play at Pace means you need to step up and make big plays at big moments when it counts the most and that's what we all did out there tonight.''

A loss would have been heartbreaking for Pace. The Spartans took a 24-10 lead with 7:33 left when running back Ronnie Dickens bolted 35 yards for a touchdown.

But Naples rallied to cut the lead to seven with 5:31 left, and then took advantage when Pace punter Sterling Griffin could not handle a low snap and at Pace's 42 yard line.

On the next play, Golden Eagles running back Greg Pratt bolted around the left side for a 42-yard touchdown setting the stage for Cramer's gamble.

• North Miami 20, Southridge 19: At 24 years old, it didn't take North Miami coach Horane Allison long to nab his first head coaching job.

It didn't take him long to nab his first win, either, as the Pioneers beat Southridge at North Miami Stadium.

Senior quarterback Junior Delpe shook off two first half interceptions and finished 14 of 24 for 154 yards and two touchdowns and junior receiver Fredson Salomon had six catches for 67 yards to lead the Pioneers

''The kids have worked so hard all offseason,'' Allison said. ``It was a big win for the kids to know that coach Allison's got it.''

Soloman came up huge, with five catches on the Pioneers (1-0) final two drives.

With the Pioneers clinging to a 14-13 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Soloman caught a 46-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead.

''He's an explosive kid,'' Allison said. ``He was a junior last year and didn't play that much, but we knew he was going to step in.''

Southridge running back Brandon Oliver kept the Spartans (0-1) in the game with 158 rushing yards on 24 carries, including two fourth quarter touchdowns.

The first, a 24-yard burst up the middle, brought the made the score 14-13 with 8:45 left, but Oliver, who is also the teams kicker, missed the extra point.

Oliver also had a 17-yard touchdown run with 2:19 left to make it 21-20.

The Spartans went for two points, but Oliver was stuffed for no gain by Pioneers linebacker Randell Johnson.

''Oliver's like LeBron [James],'' Allison said. ``You're not going to stop LeBron, so we just tried to settle down the rest of the field. It was just him doing the damage.''

-- GARRET HYLTON

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