Pirates stumble in season finale

Three turnovers and a slew of penalties proved to be costly for the Pirates as the Braden River High football team fell to Palmetto 7-3 tonight in its final regular season game. 

It was not the ending the Pirates, particularly the 15 seniors who played their final regular season game in a Pirates uniform, were hoping for as they get ready to head into the playoffs. 

Braden River took a 3-0 lead off a 39-yard field goal by junior kicker Kadin Kerns on its opening possession. Palmetto responded with 6:02 remaining in the second quarter when quarterback Donald Campbell punched the ball in from a yard out. Kicker Brandon Tarpley added the extra point, giving the Tigers a 7-3 lead. 

The Pirates turned the ball over three times in the second half, including an interception in the end zone with less than 30 seconds to play in the game. 

Braden River will return to action Nov. 20 when the Pirates travel to Winter Haven to take on the Blue Devils in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. 

For a complete summary of tonight's game and a look at Braden River's playoff preparations pick up the Nov. 19 issue of the East County Observer. 

Scoring Summary

P  0  7  0  0 — 7

BR  3  0  0  0 — 3

First Quarter

BR — FG Kadin Kerns 39, 7:20

Second Quarter

P — Donald Campbell 1 run (Brandon Tarpley kick), 6:02