Southridge defense does it again, shuts out Palmetto en route to regional final

Southridge’s defense did it again on Friday night.

The Spartans continued its run of not allowing a point since Sept. 16 as they shut out Palmetto 26-0 in a Region 4-8A semifinal.

Southridge (9-2) will play host to Coral Gables (10-1) next week in the region final.

“We are preaching shutouts,” coach Billy Rolle said. “They’ve been doing a good job. We try to shut the offense in practice out. At first we got a shutout or two, they we got two, three, and four. It became a goal after that.”

Leading the Southridge defense on Friday was defensive back Antwan Collier who returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown.

Brandon James started the scoring Friday, with a 5-yard fumble return for a score. Mark Pope’s 26-yard touchdown reception from Michael Cox and Collier’s score gave the Spartans a 20-0 halftime edge.

Trevlin Payne increased the lead to 26 points with a 1-yard scoring run in the third quarter.

“We challenge the offense that every time we get a score, they gotta get a score,” Collier said. “Our defense is good. When it comes to that goal line, we are gonna make a stop.

“No points. That’s our mindset.”

Palmetto ends its season 9-2.

This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 10:55 PM with the headline "Southridge defense does it again, shuts out Palmetto en route to regional final."