Tigers roll past banged up Pirates

The Braden River High football team struggled to gain momentum against Palmetto, falling to the Tigers 45-3 in non-district action Sept. 16.

The Pirates (0-3) took the opening kickoff and drove down to the Palmetto 20-yard line before backup quarterback Eric Schappacher, who started in place of injured quarterback Steven Ross, was intercepted in the end zone, halting Braden River’s drive.

After a series of punts by both teams, Palmetto (3-0) took a 7-0 lead with 20.9 seconds remaining in the first quarter when quarterback Trenton Miller connected with Patrick Green for a 13-yard score.

The Tigers extended their lead in the second quarter when Miller connected with Shaquille Harris for a 32-yard strike, giving Palmetto a 14-0 advantage.

Braden River put together a drive of its own on its ensuing possession when running back Deon Taylor burst up the middle for a 45-yard gain. A 15-yard personal foul penalty by Palmetto placed the ball at the 15-yard line. Four plays later, kicker Michael Unzicher hit a 37-yard field goal, cutting Palmetto’s lead to 14-3.

But that would be as close as the Pirates would come, as the visiting Tigers scored three more touchdowns and hit a 37-yard field goal.

Braden River returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Riverview.