Florida blanks Georgia in War of the Border

Published 11:26 pm Friday, January 20, 2017

VALDOSTA — As Team Georgia’s offense fought with inconsistency throughout Friday night’s War of the Border All-Star game, Team Florida’s offense found footing in the second half. Behind big plays, the Florida All-Stars scored three second-half touchdowns in a 28-0 shutout victory at Martin Stadium.

Valdosta quarterback Josh Belton started the game and was named Georgia’s Offensive MVP.

“It’s a great feeling to play one more game,” he said.

The game was a bonus for Belton after helping Valdosta win its 24th state championship in December. Belton showcased his elusivness on several occasions behind center, but the Florida defense rendered him largely ineffective. He had a 14-yard gain on a first-down run in the third and completed a 14-yard pass to Lowndes wide receiver Jalen Smith later in the drive before Marquez Delafield intercepted his pass inside the Florida 20, sweeping possession and momentum away from Georgia. Belton finished with two interceptions.

“We really didn’t have a big playbook,” Belton said. “We kept it small and simple because we didn’t have a long time to practice for them and prepare for them. We just tried to read their defense to see what we could do.”

Turner County linebacker Deontae Crockett was named Georgia’s Defensive MVP.

One of Georgia’s most successful defensive stands came in the third after Philip Moultrie ripped off a 74-yard run that ended with Lowndes defensive back Jourdan Wright making the tackle at Georgia’s 26. The Georgia All-Stars prevented Florida from getting inside the 20 on the drive and Valdosta defensive lineman Tyler Blue tackled Green, forcing a turnover on downs.

Wright said having to hunt down Moultrie and make the tackle was something he’d remember most about his War of the Border experience.

“I was so tired,” he said with a laugh.

Joe Green threw touchdown passes to three different receivers, including a 72-yarder to Jaylin Jenkins to give Florida a 21-0 lead with 7 minutes remaining in the third. On first down at the Georgia 22, Green took a shotgun snap and found Jenkins streaking across the middle of the field. Jenkins made the catch and was quickly ahead of the secondary en route to his team’s third score.

Jenkins later added a 36-yard reception on third down that extended Florida’s drive in the fourth and Green connected with Ezekiel Anderson for a 26-yard TD, and Florida’s final score, with 3:34 left.

Jenkins was named Florida’s Offensive MVP for his effort and safety Kwame Clark earned the team’s Defensive MVP award.

Both sides started slowly in their final high school football game. After going 3-and-out on its opening possession, Georgia missed a 41-yard field goal with 4:42 left in the second quarter. It was Georgia’s only scoring attempt of the night, as the combination of inconsistant offensive play and Florida’s defense kept the Georgia All-Stars away from the end zone.

Demarae Byrd ran in Florida’s first touchdown on a first-and-goal play from the 6-yard line with 2 minutes remaining in the first half. He ran right and went across the goal line untouched.