Pirates sail into semifinals

The Braden River High football team is moving on to the second round of the regional playoffs after beating Naples Gulf Coast 37-14 in the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinals Nov. 13. 

The Pirates made enough big plays in the first half to hold off a Sharks team that refused to back down. 

Without talented running back Raymond Thomas, who had season-ending knee surgery earlier in the week, Braden River turned to quarterback Jacob Huesman and its passing game. 

Huesman completed 14-of-23 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Holding on to a 3-0 lead, Huesman connected with Travis Williams for a 20-yard touchdown with 3:14 remaining in the first quarter. 

On the Pirates next possession, Huesman capped off a six play, 59-yard drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Juwaan Jenkins on the opening play of the second quarter. 

Kicker Kyle Thoma hit field goals of 20, 24 and 33 yards to give Braden River a 23-7 in the third quarter. 

Braden River’s two final touchdowns came late in the fourth quarter on DeShaun Fenwick’s 5-yard run and Anthony Moore’s 25-yard interception return. 

“We knew coming it was going to be a four quarter game,” Huesman said. “We just ended up executing by the end of the game. 

With the win, Braden River will play host to Venice in the regional semifinals Nov. 20. The Pirates handed the Indians their only loss of the season back in October en route to capturing the Class 7A-District 11 title. 

“Venice is a heck of a football team,” Braden River coach Curt  Bradley said. “It’s going to be a different ballgame than it was last time, and I think both teams are looking forward to it.”