- December 27, 2024
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Braden River finds itself in an unfamiliar position this season, but it’s one the Pirates are more than willing to embrace.
For the first time in school history, the Pirates are the defending district champions. After rallying from behind in the final seconds of its season opener against North Fort Myers a year ago, Braden River posted eight consecutive victories to cap off a perfect regular season en route to the Class 7A-District 11 title.
The Pirates went on to host their first regional playoff game before falling to Tarpon Springs East Lake in the regional semifinals. Braden River advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, completing an impressive turnaround for the Pirates who went a combined 5-13 during coach Curt Bradley’s first two years.
With a host of talent returning, Braden River figures to be in the mix for the district title again this season. Senior quarterback Jacob Huesman, who threw for 1,946 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, returns to lead an offense that scored 392 points in 11 games.
Braden River also returns two of its three main running backs from last season in Raymond Thomas and Jaylin Austin, who combined for 1,337 yards on the ground and 22 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Pirates return seven starters, including linebacker Chase Balliette and defensive end Dylan Tyson. Braden River allowed just 133 points last season, posting three shutouts, and had 20 interceptions.
Braden River should be in the mix for another playoff berth, but the road to back-to-back district championships won’t come easy for the Pirates. Braden River’s district gets even tougher this season with the addition of Venice, a district champion last season in Class 6A.
The Pirates open their district season versus East County rival Lakewood Ranch — a game that could set the tone for the season as the Mustangs could have one of their best teams in recent years.
Over the next week, we’ll be going inside the huddle with three more area football teams, as they prepare for the start of the regular season, which officially kicks off Aug. 28.
This week, the Observer takes an in depth look at Braden River and its goals for the upcoming season.
You’ll learn why a year on the sidelines helped Huesman lead the Pirates to a perfect season and Bradley’s reaction to Braden River’s first district title.
*Denotes district game
**All games start at 7:30 p.m.
What did it mean to you to see your team win the district title and finish the regular season undefeated?
“It was awesome — not only for me but for the whole coaching staff. For this group of guys go from 1-9, to 5-4 and eventually 11-1 and to see where you were and where you are now is special. It’s good for the school and it’s good for the (program). You have guys that were afraid to wear their Braden River (shirts) and now they wear their district champion shirts around all of the time and are on top of the world.”
What are your expectations for this season?
“It’s going to be different this year. We’re not going to sneak up on anyone. We won the district title last year; and we want to get the point where it’s (maybe) not expected, but we expect to be in competition. It’s a new mentality, but it’s like I always tell them ‘Every year is a new season. We all start 0-0.’”
How do you approach the difficulty associated with your district schedule?
“Our district just keeps getting better. We expect to compete for a district championship seven, eight, nine and 10 weeks into the season. You want to play meaningful games in the fourth quarter. It helps us as coaches to stay motivated knowing you have to strap it up and (go out fighting). Those tough opponents (serve) as a barrier to see where you are in those later weeks. You just have to deal with it and be ready to be the next man in.
What separates your team from other teams?
“These kids generally enjoy coming to practice. It’s a group of guys who generally love football. You can play football or you can love football. If you’re going to be more successful, at the end of the day, you have to really love football.”
