NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Quarterback A.J. Granger came back from a non-throwing bruised shoulder in the Homecoming game to lead the 'Cudas to victory over DeLand, 21-13, in the season finale with two running touchdowns in the second half.
And even as DeLand mounted a late rally with seconds left in the game, an interception by 'Cudas defensive back James Hill, his second of the contest, sealed playoff-bound DeLand's defeat to give New Smyrna Beach a 2-8 record for the season.
Perhaps, the DeLand coaching decision to hold out its starting quarterback and first-string runner to rest up for the playoffs was a factor. Regardless, it was the personnel on the field that counted and the 'Cudas made the most of their opportunities.
Nobody was more pleased than head coach Rocky Yocam.
"It's a credit to these kids that they've continued to play as hard as they have and work as hard as they have, based on outcome of our ballgames week to week," Yocam said, adding, "A lot of teams would have folded it up and gone home. I'm real proud of coaches and kids for the way they've hung in there."
Tailback Steven Jackson got the offense rolling with a 65-yard score after a shovel pass to the right from Granger to stake New Smyrna to a 7-0 lead, which the team would not relinquish.
Granger made sure of that in the second half with two short-yardage runs in the red zone -- both 4-yard plunges.
DeLand fought back with a 72-yard interception for a touchdown to bring the score to 21-13, before Hill's second interception with less than 20 seconds to go near the end zone.
Asked about Granger's performance, the coach said he was pleased with the returning quarterback's performance, crediting the offensive line with opening the seam for him.
"What a great way to send our seniors out," Yocam said.