Sailors rally in second half to defeat Mustangs

Lakewood Ranch High coach Shawn Trent had a fairly straightforward game plan heading into tonight's Preseason Kickoff Classic against Sarasota — to treat the first half like a regular football game, make halftime adjustments and then let some of his younger players take the field. 

And Trent held true to his word. 

Sarasota took an early 7-0 lead, but Lakewood Ranch responded when quarterback Reggie Lindsey connected with Octavious Washington for a 58-yard strike. The Mustangs held a 23-14 lead early in the fourth quarter before the Sailors scored three late touchdowns for a 34-23 victory. 

The Mustangs will open their 2009 regular season Sept. 4 when they travel to Braden River to take on the Pirates. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.