September 26, 2018,  Football  No comments

Cocoa Tigers win Florida class 3A Title

By Michael Morgan

The Cocoa Tigers overcame kicking difficulties on Saturday to defeat Tallahassee Godby for the first state title in school history at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

The game resulted in the first scoreless tie during regulation in Florida finals history. This was due to the four missed field goals of 34, 27, 4, and 42 yards by Cocoa kicker Bell. “I kept pushing them to the right. I just had a bad day,” Bell said.

In overtime, each team begins with a possession at the opposing team’s 10-yard line. Willie Downs caught a touchdown in the left corner of the end zone, which was then followed by a touchdown reinforced by blockers right up the middle for Wilson.

The sophomore kicker from Cocoa needed to make the extra point to win the game. The PAT barely made it inside the right upright, defeating Godby and preventing them from winning their 4th state title.

Bell redeemed himself by sending Cocoa home with the championship. “Amazing. It was fitting that it came down to the extra point. I missed four field goals,” Bell said.

The tigers finished 14-1, and Godby finished 12-3 after the Florida class 3A state football championship.