Sports Briefs

+ Bruins trip up Pirates at homecoming
The Braden River High football team fell to Bayshore 28-19 in its Homecoming game Oct. 14.

The Pirates (1-6) turned over the ball on their first three possessions, including a fumble on their own 6-yard line late in the first quarter.

Braden River quarterback Steven Ross scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of 3 yards and 1 yard. Running back Deon Taylor added an 80-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Braden River returns to district action at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 versus Sarasota.

+ Bulldogs Junior Midgets win division title
The East Manatee Bulldogs Junior Midget team defeated the Manatee Wildcats 32-16 to capture the FYD South division title Oct. 15.

Quarterback Nate Strawderman threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs improved to 7-1. Kyle Thoma finished with 115 receiving yards and rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Struthers finished with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. Brandon Chrisan, Isaiah Joseph and Dillion Davis led the way defensively for East Manatee.

In other scores: the Wildcats defeated the Junior Peewees 14-13 and the Peewees 8-6. Hunter Wright and Luke Labriola both scored touchdowns for the Tiny Mites.

+ Ortiz takes the Pre-State Invitational
Lakewood Ranch High junior Olivia Ortiz posted her fastest time on the state course, crossing the finish line in 17 minutes, 41 seconds to win the Pre-State Invitational Oct. 15 at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.

The Lady Mustangs scored 295 points to finish ninth out of 23 teams in the elite race. Other top performers for Lakewood were Kristin Zarrella (19:04), Natalie Novak (20:07), Katie Wray (20:33), Ashley Platt (20:36), Michelle Last (21:17) and Emily Perez (21:32).

Observer Team Spotlight Q&A
ELLIE BONNETT
Age: 10
Grade: Fourth-grader at Gene Witt Elementary 
Position: Pitcher
What does it mean to you to be on The Observer softball team: It makes me happy because last year I was on The Observer team, too. 
What do you enjoy the most about softball: Just hanging out with the team. 
When did you start playing softball: When I was 4 years old. 
Why did you decide to start playing: My brother plays baseball and my dad is his coach. 
If you could describe The Observer softball team in one word what would it be: Awesome.