Dr. Phillips football readies to host regional final -- Observer Preps

For a third consecutive year, and for the fourth time in the past five years, the Dr. Phillips football team has advanced to the regional finals round of the FHSAA Class 8A State Playoffs.

The Panthers (10-2) will host Vero Beach (11-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Bill Spoone Stadium, with a trip to the state semifinals on the line.

To get to this point once again, Dr. Phillips traveled more than 130 miles to Sarasota, where the Panthers rode a staunch defensive effort to a 21-0 shutout victory over host Riverview (9-2). 

The Panthers converted three of the the Rams’ six turnovers into their 21 points. Included in those was a fumble recovery in the end zone by Robert Porcher in the fourth quarter that punctuated a winning effort in a game in which the team set defensive records set for interceptions (19) and turnovers (37) in a season. 

Dr. Phillips allowed just 106 yards of total offense on the night.

On offense, Marvin Washington connected with Caleb Walls for the Panthers’ first score, and Xandre McCleary rushed for a touchdown later in the second quarter.

Yet again in these playoffs, Dr. Phillips will be preparing to host a dynamic passing attack. The Indians are led by senior quarterback Mike Dean. Dean has passed for 2,700 yards this fall and 31 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].