- November 24, 2024
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When Braden River needed a stand on defense, junior linebacker Paul Wiggins intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter to preserve a 30-20 victory against Venice in a Class 7A-District 11 matchup between undefeated teams.
The host Pirates gave their fans something to cheer about on the first play from scrimmage when running back Raymond Thomas took the handoff and raced 78 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.
After Venice hit a 30-yard field goal on its first possession to cut Braden River's lead to 7-3, Thomas capped off a six-play, 51-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Braden River a 14-3 lead with 4 minutes, 37 seconds remaining in the first half.
Braden River extended its lead to 20-3 on DeShaun Fenwick's 6-yard touchdown run with 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Trailing 20-6 at halftime, Venice took the second half kickoff and marched 81 yards in eight plays, capping off the drive with a 23-yard touchdown run.
Braden River responded on its ensuing possession when quarterback Jacob Huesman connected with Juwaan Jenkins for a 4-yard touchdown.
Venice cut the Pirates lead back to a touchdown on its next drive when quarterback Bryce Carpenter scored on 12-yard keeper.
Braden River kicker Kyle Thoma hit a 34-yard field goal with 8:10 remaining in the fourth quarter for the final points of the game.
With the win, Braden River improved to 7-0 and 3-0 in 7A-11. The Pirates now sit atop the district standings with Palmetto, which beat North Port 44-7. Braden River will play host to Palmetto next Friday.