Cause for Celebration

SARASOTA — It didn’t take long for Recharde Goodwyn to answer the one question on everyone’s mind.
Dripping with ice water, the first-year Booker High head coach stood grinning in the middle of the field and took it all in.

The look on his face said it all.

A season opening victory against crosstown rival Sarasota for the first time since 2010 is cause for celebration in and of itself.

But for Goodwyn it was more than that. Last Friday’s 18-9 victory over the Sailors also marked his first win as a head coach.

Definitely a reason to smile.

“I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to coach a great group of kids,” Goodwyn says. “It was a great job. I’m proud of the guys. They came out and played hard.”

Goodwyn and the Tornadoes set the tone early when Jamal Benson found the end zone on a 23-yard carry to cap an 86-yard opening drive with 3 minutes, 52 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Benson scored again late in the second quarter, giving Booker a 12-0 halftime lead.

Goodwyn’s defense forced three turnovers and held Sarasota to one touchdown — a 4-yard carry by Justin Austin late in the third quarter. Austin, who rushed for 1,200 yards last season, was held to just 40 yards.

“We always say the only team that can beat Booker is Booker,” Goodwyn says. “It was a total team effort. We were playing against a really good running back and they did a great job containing him.”

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Goodwyn peered up at the scoreboard one final time before spending the rest of the night celebrating with his players and coaches.

For Goodwyn, it was the perfect way to start the season.

“It sets the tone for the entire season,” Goodwyn says. “That’s a great group of young men and I’m so thankful they’ve bought into everything I’ve ever asked them. We’re looking forward to where we are going. The future is bright for this team.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].