PHOTOS/RECAP: Dr. Phillips reclaims the Old Orange Crate in 14-7 win over West Orange

Sports

Dr. Phillips came to Winter Garden on Monday night with a simple mission — get the win over rival West Orange, and take back the Old Orange Crate.

The Panthers (2-1) would do just that as they claimed a low scoring 14-7 win over the Warriors (1-2) on Monday, Sept. 9.

After waiting a couple of extra days to play their game thanks to FHSAA requiring schools move their games, the Panthers went toe-to-toe with the Warriors in a sloppy game.

Through the first half both teams were plagued by flag after flag, killing any kind of rhythm in the game — then, the second quarter happened.

There were still penalties, but the Panthers were able to finally get on the board when quarterback Isaiah Givens hit Jalen Washington in the middle of the field for the 23-yard touchdown. An extra point later and the Panthers would take a 7-0.

Things almost got better for the Panthers, when Shi Gaskin picked off Tyler Huff — who was in for an injured Julian Calvez — and ran it into the end zone. Unfortunately the Panthers would get called for a block in the back — erasing a 42-yard touchdown. The Panthers would take their 7-0 lead into the half.

Dr. Phillips would open up scoring in the second half, when Brandon Fields would cap off a 55-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run with 3:58 left in the third quarter. The extra point would make it 14-0 Panthers.

Just before the end of the third quarter, the Warriors would see their first real signs of life, as Joey Stravato snagged his second interception of the game — setting the Warriors up at the 36-yard line. A few minutes into the fourth would see Terrell Walden II tear through the Panthers’ defense for a 9-yard touchdown run. The extra point would cut the Panthers’ lead to 14-7.

The Warriors would have one last chance, as Daniel Harrington recovered a fumble at the Panthers’ own 34, but the Dr. Phillips defense would hold on to secure the 14-7 win.

The win pushes the Panthers above .500 for the first time this season, and they will take on Boone (0-2) on Friday, Sept. 13.