Football team undefeated during regular season

Headline Surfer photo by Henry Frederick / Winter Haven moves quickly down towards the Cudas end zone before taking a knee in the closing seconds of a 24-20 playoff win over previously unbeated New Smyrna Beach Friday night.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Cudas lost to Winter Haven 24-20 tonight in the opening round of the playoffs after an undefeated regular season with nine wins.

Winter Haven, ranked 10th in the state, two spots behind the Cudas, were strong up front defensively, and after trading touchdowns with the Cudas in the first half, were up 21-20 going into the third quarter.

A field goal midway through the third increased Winter Haven's lead, 24-20.

The Cudas recovered a fumble on the Winter Haven 44 midway through the third, but senior quarterback Marcus Johnson was sacked a couple of plays later and the drive stalled.

In the closing minute of the game, Winter Haven was driving towards the Cudas end zone, but let the clock wind down until the final snap where its quarterback took a knee. And just like that, the dream season was over for the Cudas.

Several Cudas were openly weeping on the field after the post-game wrap-up talk by head coach Lance Jenkins who told his players he was proud of them and the season they had.

Headline Surfer will have a full post-game wrap overnight, including video interviews with the head coach and two of the Cudas players.