BRADEN RIVER — One of the most surefire ways to determine the strength of a good football team is in its ability to overcome adversity.

Last Friday, Braden River High’s football team found itself trailing to Venice by three touchdowns midway through the second quarter. But rather than caving in, the Pirates battled their way back to within a point in the third quarter — although that was as close as the Pirates would come as the Indians scored a late touchdown to secure a 28-20 victory.

“The kids competed for 48 minutes,” coach Ed Volz said. “Hopefully now, they’ll (realize) that against good football teams, if we compete for 48 minutes and limit mistakes, then we will have a chance to win every game on our schedule.”

Venice quarterback Trey Burton proved to be the difference in the game as the Indians’ highly touted quarterback made big plays both on the ground and through the air, rushing for three touchdowns and throwing for another one.

“Trey Burton’s ability to make positive yards on broken plays was the difference in the game,” Volz said. “We had the play stopped on both of his scores. They were not designed runs.”

Pirates running back Tevin Bryant led the way for Braden River, rushing for two touchdowns, including one right before halftime. Quarterback Stephen Fischer scored the Pirates’ final points of the game on a 20-yard run.

Braden River will return to action tomorrow night when the team travels to Sarasota. It will be the first time Volz has faced his former team since moving over to Braden River last year.

If the Pirates defense can put pressure on Sailors quarterback Bobby Eveld and create turnovers then Braden River should have a solid chance of sending Sarasota to its third-consecutive loss.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

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