Roberts' big plays help Seabreeze overcome Merritt Island

MERRITT ISLAND — After being blown out by Merritt Island earlier this season, Daytona Beach Seabreeze proved a lot can change in about two months.

Led by a dominating defense and a do-it-all quarterback, Seabreeze defeated Merritt Island 16-0 on Friday night, earning itself a ticket to the Class 4A, Region 2 semifinals.

"Our big story this year has been about being able to finish," Seabreeze Coach Marc Beach said. "And we finished tonight."

Seabreeze allowed 148 yards, and the Mustangs didn’t manage a first down until early in the third quarter. They finished with seven.

Seabreeze quarterback Dominique Roberts accounted for almost all of the Sandcrabs’ offense by running for 142 yards and throwing for 135 more. The slippery junior also had two touchdowns — throwing and running for one each.

"We practiced all week for revenge," he said. "And we just came out, kept our heads in the game and made plays when we needed to."

Seabreeze threatened on its first drive, marching down to Merritt Island’s 2-yard line before stalling. It settled for a 23-yard field goal by Jackson Shelton for a 3-0 lead.

But the Sandcrabs capitalized on their next drive, scoring on Roberts’ perfectly placed 11-yard touchdown pass to receiver John Christopher in the corner of the end zone. The ensuing point-after attempt was blocked.

Roberts’ 9-yard keeper up the middle made the score 16-0 with about five minutes left in the third quarter.

Seabreeze will travel to face Orange Park Ridgeview in a region final next week.

Seabreeze 16, Merritt Island 0

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FIRST — S: Shelton 23 FG; S: Christopher 11 pass from Roberts (kick blocked). THIRD — Roberts 9 run (Shelton kick).