South Walton nips Bozeman in Bucks' first playoff trip

SANTA ROSA BEACH - The South Walton Seahawks took another step into unfamiliar territory Friday night and denied Bozeman the same when they defeated the visiting Bucks 34-27 in the Region1-2B semifinals.

The Seahawks clinched their first-ever district title a couple of weeks ago, and now have won their first state playoff game.

"If you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done," South Walton Coach David Barron said as he walked off the field. And that's what the Seahawks did.

"I knew it was going to be a good game and it was a physical war for 48 minutes," Barron said.
Hunter Infinger was the go-to guy for the Seahawks with five catches, 83 yards and three touchdowns.

"I knew they were going to be throwing to me tonight, but I didn't know it would be three touchdowns," Infinger said.

South Walton utilized two quarterbacks, as it has all season. Cody Adams was 9 of 9 passing for 127 yards and one touchdown, while Dennis Smith was 4 of 8 for 40 yards and two TDs.

Bozeman moved the ball on the ground primarily with Tyler Grier rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns, and Mason Bennett picked up 101 yards, including a touchdown. Paul Myers scored the other Bozeman TD.

Bozeman struck first on a 4-yard run by Myers midway through the second quarter. About two minutes later, Bozeman was in the end zone again on a 3-yard run by Grier for a 14-0 lead.

In the last three minutes of the half, the Seahawks scored twice to get back in the game. Smith connected with Infinger for both touchdowns. David Bazylak missed an extra-point kick and the Seahawks trailed 14-13 at halftime.

Bozeman came out in the third quarter and scored on a 10-play drive with Bennett going over on a 2-yard run. A conversion try failed.

South Walton came back to tie the game. This time Adams connected with Infinger on a 21-yarder for the score and Bazylak hit the PAT for a 20-20 deadlock. South Walton finished up with Smith scoring on a 1-yard run and Bazylak on a 19-yard run.

Smith stopped the Bucks on their last possession when he intercepted quarterback Travis Register.

South Walton plays Florida High next week in the Region 1-2B final.