Fort Lauderdale, FL--A week after Dillard's fourth-quarter mistakes contributed to a 15-point loss at Cypress Bay, the Panthers came out determined to make a statement Thursday night. Dillard scored 23 first-quarter points and rolled to a 45-12 victory over visiting South Broward. The win coincided with a nearly 40-minute halftime ceremony to dedicate Dillard's home field to former coach Otis Gray, who passed away last fall.
Dillard Panthers team members carry their coach, Otis Gray, after winning the 4A State Championship with a 40-14 win over Merritt Island, 12/1989
Even with the victory, the night still belonged to Otis Gray. The school renamed the stadium Otis Gray Jr. Memorial Stadium. Gray won state titles in 1986 and 1989 during his 13 seasons at the school. ''It's really an honor and a pleasure to be able to come back for such an occasion,'' Gray's son Quinn, who was a backup quarterback with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season
"I would have loved for him to be here to be able to accept it himself. ''Under the circumstances, it's just great to be able to come back home,'' said Gray, who played college ball at FAMU. "They showed the respect to my dad for the respect the school and the love he had for the school. "It's a great honor.''
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