LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Lee County rallied from a 20-8 halftime deficit to beat 11th-ranked Miami Carol City 23-20 Friday night.

The Trojans’ defense did not allow a point in the second half. The offense continued running plays until it completed the comeback.

Defense leads second-half shutout

Jace Murray, Preston Manriquez and KJ Johnson were among the defensive players who helped turn the game around, according to head coach Dean Fabrizio. Fabrizio described the win as a complete team effort.

“For us to come down from down at half and get this win, I couldn’t say enough for these kids,” Fabrizio said. “They worked so hard, and, you know, they just played hard for each other tonight, for this community, and I’m really proud of them.”

Coach describes halftime adjustments

Fabrizio said he told players to trust the coaching staff after mistakes in the first half led to missed tackles and scores by Carol City.

“Well, I told them, you know, what a great atmosphere to be in. This is what it’s all about,” Fabrizio said. “Trust your coaching. You know, we made some mistakes in the first half. We missed some tackles, gave them some scores. Offensively, we just had to keep pounding it in there on them. We just had to keep pounding that rock and trying to execute. And eventually, we broke through with some things.”

Fabrizio also credited Carol City and its coach.

“Carol City’s got an incredible team,” Fabrizio said. “You know, their coach, Toro, has done a great job there. And, you know, that’s one of the best teams. They’ve had the best team in Florida.”

Coach highlights defensive performance

Asked which players stood out on defense, Fabrizio pointed to multiple contributors.

“Well, so many guys did,” Fabrizio said. “You know, Jace Murray had a phenomenal game at linebacker. You know, Preston Manriquez at outside linebacker. All our secondary guys covering their receivers who are excellent. Our front, KJ Johnson, and just so many other guys. It was a team effort.”

Coach reflects on scheduling decision

Fabrizio said he told players earlier in the week that the matchup would test the team, referencing the phrase “iron sharpens iron.”

“Well, there’s no doubt,” Fabrizio said. “You know, when you play a team like this, it makes you better. Hopefully we made Carol City better tonight. And not only does it make you better playing somebody like this, but your focus and practice and your attention goes so much better. So, I think this game was really good for both teams.”

Fabrizio said the program does not avoid difficult opponents.

“You know, we don’t, we play, you know, we don’t duck anybody,” Fabrizio said. “You know, we try to play the best, anyone, anywhere, anytime. And, you know, these kids always rise to the occasion. Everybody thought we were crazy for scheduling this game. Miami Carol City, they’ve got all these stars. And they’ve got a great football team. They’re well coached. But our kids rose to the occasion tonight.”

The final score was 23-20.

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