Willie White, clutch defense leads South Dade to win over longtime rival Homestead
Willie White slithered and sprinted through defenders on a 45-yard interception for a touchdown 49 seconds after kickoff to help South Dade beat rival Homestead on Friday at Harris Field.
“Every time I get the ball in my hands I’m really dangerous,” White said after the 14-7 victory.
The senior defensive back totaled two of the Buccaneers’ four interceptions in the “Battle for Lucy Street.” Junior defender Montr’Ey Jackson also logged a game-sealing interception in the final seconds and threw an 80-yard touchdown toss in the triumph.
That pass, which came off a reverse and went to wide receiver X’zayvion Clayton on the Buccaneers’ first drive, proved to be their only offensive touchdown.
It was the Bucs’ first win over Homestead since 2019.
“That’s what it was the whole week in practice,” Clayton said. “We came out here and executed the same thing.”
White’s interception for a score on the Broncos’ first possession gave the Buccaneers (1-1) an early lead, which they never surrendered.
Sluggish offensive drives in the second half and nearly 150 yards in penalties nearly denied the Buccaneers of their first victory, but their opportunist defense kept them afloat. The Broncos punted three times, threw two interceptions and had a field goal blocked in the first half. The Buccaneers held a 14-0 lead at the break.
Quarterback Malachi Lewis threw an 8-yard touchdown toss to Malik Penson with 3:57 remaining in the third quarter for the Broncos’ only points of the night.
Lewis completed 13 of 30 passes, including his touchdown and four interceptions, and totaled 120 yards.
Clayton totaled 119 receiving yards for the Buccaneers.
Quartavious Lyons also logged an interception in the victory. Tyree Graham and Victor Guerrero logged sacks for the Buccaneers.
“We really decided this week was all about team,” Buccaneers coach Chris Reid said. “We decided to cut out negative talk, change the way we practice, with more tempo and high energy.
“We didn’t win tonight. We won Monday through Thursday. All the credit goes to the players.”
The Buccaneers will face Osceola on Sept. 6 in Kissimmee. The Broncos (0-2) will play their third game Sept. 6 at Vero Beach.
This story was originally published August 31, 2024 at 7:33 AM.