Football friday

Top Performers
Braden River wide receiver Justin Ross caught five passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Pirates to their first district title. He also scored on a 30-yard run.

ƒBraden River quarterback Jacob Huesman completed 18 of 25 attempts for 316 yards and two touchdowns.

Cardinal Mooney defensive back Tyler Garris recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, to help lead the Cougars to their second-consecutive district title.

+ Pirates, Cougars win district crowns
The Braden River and Cardinal Mooney High football teams both won district championships Oct. 31.
The Pirates improved to 8-0 with a 38-14 win over Palmetto to capture the Class 7A-District 10 championship and the program’s first district title.

With the game tied 14-14 after the first quarter, Braden River scored 24 unanswered points to secure the victory. Wide receiver Justin Ross scored three touchdowns, and the Braden River defense recorded four interceptions in the second half to preserve the victory.

Cardinal Mooney defeated Bishop Verot 44-6 to capture the Class 3A-District 10 championship for the second-consecutive season.

Quarterback Reese Vita completed 8 of 13 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. He also scored on a 15-yard run. Defensively, the Cougars recorded four interceptions with Sean Morris Jr. and Taylor Garris both returning interceptions for touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

As the district champion, Braden River and Cardinal Mooney both will host their respective regional semifinal games Nov. 14. Braden River will host Pinellas Park while Cardinal Mooney will face Clearwater Calvary Christian.

Twitter Talk
“We decided to be district champs for Halloween … no costume needed! Love this team. So proud of the players, coaches and school. #PirateNation”

“Crazy to think the last time we lost was a year ago.”

“Unbelievably proud of my boys for finally getting what they worked hard for! #DISTRICTCHAMPS”

“Back-to-back district champs!! Thanks to all the fans who supported!”

“Congrats @MustangFootball on a great win tonight and seniors for an incredible year. (You) guys (are) champions.”

Observer Game of the Week
Nov. 7 (7:30 p.m.)
Braden River vs. DeSoto County
Braden River will close out the regular season at home versus Class 5A-District 13 champion DeSoto County in non-district action. With a win, the Pirates will finish the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history.

Game Changer
Chad Rex
Quarterback
Lakewood Ranch High

In his final home game for Lakewood Ranch, Rex carried the ball 14 times for 140 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Mustangs to victory on Senior Night. He also threw a 12-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to have a hand in all five of Lakewood’s touchdowns.

SCORE BOARD
Week 10 // OCT. 31

Braden River 38
Palmetto 14

Lakewood Ranch 33
Sarasota 14

Cardinal Mooney 44
Bishop Verot 6

Victory Christian 45
ODA 0