‘There’s no tomorrow’ for Booker T as Tornadoes lose regional semi to Glades Central
With the opponents celebrating some 30 yards away, Booker T. Washington coach Tim “Ice” Harris huddled his team near the 40-yard line at Traz Powell Stadium.
The emotions were still raw. Reality began to sank in.
“It’s a tough moment,” Harris told his team, “because there’s no tomorrow.”
No. 2 seed Booker T. had just lost 18-16 to third-seeded Glades Central in a Region 4-4A semifinal contest on Thursday night. The Tornadoes, returning to the playoffs after missing the postseason a year ago and now two years removed from their 2016 state title, aimed to make a long run in the postseason, one that would hopefully end in Orlando.
Instead, the season’s final chapter came at Traz Powell.
“We’re all hurting,” Harris said, “but the most importing thing is we stay together.”
The Tornadoes (5-6), who played arguably the toughest schedule in the country facing the likes of Carol City, Northwestern, Central, Southridge, Columbus and Chaminade-Madonna, held their own in the first half behind a stifling defense.
Booker T. took a 10-2 lead into the break on a 36-yard field goal and a strip sack that defensive lineman Drew Irvin returned 30 yards for a touchdown, one of four first-half turnovers forced by the Tornadoes defense.
But the momentum quickly shifted in the second half. Glades Central (9-3) scored 16 unanswered points in 3:29 on a 36-yard field goal, a pick-six by defensive back Elie Flis-Aime and an 8-yard touchdown pass from Davius Richard to Odieu Hilaire two plays after scooping up a botched snap on a Booker T. offensive drive.
“I really let you down tonight,” Harris told his players after the game. “I apologize.”
Booker T. rallied late in the fourth behind quarterback Torrey Morrison, who did not play the first three quarters on Thursday night, and scored a late touchdown to make it 18-16 with 3:40 left in regulation.
A three-and-out by the defense gave Booker T. one last chance to regain the lead.
But once Morrison’s last pass on fourth down sailed incomplete with 1:06 left, the Tornadoes had sealed their fate. Booker T.’s season ended. Glades Central advanced to the regional finals to face the winner of Friday night’s game between University School and Gulliver Prep.
“We’re all hurting,” Harris said, “but the most important thing is we stay together.”
So after Harris finished talking to his players, the Tornadoes lined up together and walked off the field to their bus.
Together, one last time.
This story was originally published November 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM.