Pine hung tough late in Friday’s game for a 28-24 victory over Independence in a District 9-2A contest.
The Raiders held a 28-24 lead through three quarters.
Independence got inside of Pine’s 10-yard line twice in the final three minutes, but the Raiders’ defense came up big, forcing a turnover on downs the first time. The next time ended when Drake Westmoreland intercepted a deflected pass with 1:20 left.
“He’s like a coach on the field. He holds himself accountable for a lot. I was happy he made the play at the end,” Pine coach Bradley Seal said, of Westmoreland.
Pine led 28-8 at one point, but the Tigers scored 16 unanswered points before the Raiders’ defense came up big and the team hung on for the win.
“I was happy with our defense with the way we played at the end. We played well on offense, just too many turnovers and penalties,” Seal said.
Logan Temples threw for 238 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-21 passing. He also ran for a score.
Jordan Anderson led the receivers with five catches for 96 yards. He also rushed for a score.
Logan Leger had four receptions for 67 yards.
Markell Cotton caught four passes for 57 yards.
Adrianuen Johnson ran for 100 yards on 14 carries.
Defensively, the Raiders forced two turnovers.
In addition to Westmoreland’s interception, Larry Williams recovered a fumble.
Jonkez Dillon posted a sack.
Pine is 4-3 overall and 2-2 in district play. The Raiders will continue league play Thursday night, Oct. 18, with a home game against Northlake Christian School. The Wolverines are 1-6 overall and 1-3 in league play. Northlake Christian lost 6-3 last week to St. Thomas Aquinas.