Glades Central senior quarterback Taj Barnes had two touchdown passes and the Raiders defense created three turnovers and made a statement with a 14-0 victory against host Pahokee in the annual Muck Bowl on Friday night.
Glades Central (9-1) defeated rival Pahokee for the second straight season in the Muck Bowl.
The Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. Sauvernson Paul recorded an interception for the Raiders at the Blue Devils 30-yard line. Glades Central capitalized with the short field on the ensuing possession. On fourth-and-goal, Barnes tossed a 1-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Ar’Maud Stinfort, who was left wide open in the right corner of the end zone.
“It was a big play for our team and a great play call,” Barnes said. “As a kid, I grew up watching my family members play in this game and I always wanted to play in the Muck Bowl. It’s a very special moment as a senior to help the team win. We knew it was going to be hard-fought game. Defense did a great job. I am glad that we came together and got the win.”
Stinfort, who has rushed for 15 touchdowns this year, registered his first touchdown catch of the season. Stinfort scored two touchdowns in the Muck Bowl last season, including a go-ahead score in overtime to lift the Raiders to the victory.
Barnes had a 2-yard scoring pass to freshman wide receiver Madreion Blackmon to extend the lead to 14-0 with 2:29 left in the second quarter. Senior Caleb Knight recorded an interception for the Raiders after a deep throw toward the end zone late in the first half.
Senior Jaylin Bouie stepped up with his fifth interception on the season for the Raiders after a deep pass to the end zone with 7:27 left in the fourth quarter.
Pahokee (7-3) marched downfield late in the fourth quarter behind senior quarterback Xavier Mitchell and senior running back Samuel Arnold. On fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line, the Blue Devils were stopped short of the end zone on a rushing attempt up the middle with 1:07 remaining.
“This win was special,” Glades Central coach Omar Haugabook said. “Our guys played with heart and discipline from start to finish. I’m extremely proud of our defense for pitching a shutout in such a big rivalry game. Coach Maurice Collier, our defensive coordinator, had those boys locked in all week and it showed. This was a total team effort, and we’re grateful to bring this one home for Raider Nation.”
Barnes, who also threw for two scores against Pahokee last season, finished the regular season with 18 touchdown passes and he also rushed for three scores.
“We’re very excited for the playoffs again this year,” Barnes said. “We wanted to make a deeper run last year, so we’re coming back with a vengeance.”