St. Frances Overcomes DeLand's Triple Option to Win Season Opener
DeLand's triple-option offense kept the game close, but St. Frances scored the final 14 points to secure a 49-35 victory. Quarterback Justin Merriman threw two second-half touchdown passes, and Sa'Nire Brooks added two long scoring runs. The Panthers, ranked No. 2 nationally, avoided a major upset in Florida.
St. Frances Academy entered the contest as the nation's No. 2-ranked team but found itself in a genuine fight against a DeLand squad that controlled the tempo with its triple-option attack. The Bulldogs outgained the Panthers 211-101 in the first half, and the game remained tied at 21 through two quarters. St. Frances' defense struggled to solve DeLand's misdirection throughout the night, with the Bulldogs repeatedly mounting long, clock-chewing drives.
The Panthers' second-half surge proved decisive, however. Justin Merriman, a sophomore and son of former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman, threw two touchdown passes after halftime, while Sa'Nire Brooks added a 49-yard scoring run. Vegas Brown's 79-yard punt return provided a key first-half spark. St. Frances scored the final 14 points to avoid what would have been a stunning upset, improving to 1-0 while DeLand fell to 1-1.
This game highlights the growing national reach of high school football, with top programs traveling across state lines for marquee matchups. The result may influence national rankings and recruiting attention, as players like Merriman and Brooks showcased their talents on a wider stage. For DeLand, the competitive showing against a powerhouse could boost local program morale and visibility, while St. Frances' narrow escape may serve as a cautionary reminder that even elite teams face genuine challenges from well-coached opponents.