Pirates stay alive in playoff race

The Braden River High football team kept its playoff hopes alive with a 26-11 victory over visiting Sarasota Oct. 21.

With the win, the Pirates improve to 2-6 overall and 1-1 in Class 7A-District 10. Braden River will play host to Venice in two weeks with the winner earning a trip to the playoffs.

Braden River took a 7-0 lead when Ryan Fischer connected with Troy Gatling for a 29-yard score as time expired in the first quarter.

The Pirates extended their lead to 13-0 when Fischer hauled in a 16-yard touchdown from quarterback Steven Ross.

Deon Taylor added a pair of 7-yard touchdown runs to give Braden River a 26-3 lead. Sarasota eventually found the end zone and added a two-point conversion, but a Fischer interception in the fourth quarter ended the Sailors hopes of a comeback.