The Braden River High football team beat Venice 30-20 in Class 7A-District 11 action Oct. 16.
By
Jen Blanco
| 12:23 p.m. October 17, 2015
East County
Sports
Share
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.
Braden River running back Raymond Thomas carried the ball 23 times for 203 yards and two touchdowns.
Devontay Seabrooks and Paul Wiggins psych each other up before the start of the game.
Braden River running back Jaylin Austin returns the opening kickoff.
Braden River linebacker Ronnie McClellan celebrates following a Pirates touchdown.
Senior Roman Grissett celebrates following Raymond Thomas' 78-yard touchdown on the Pirates opening play.
Braden River junior running back Raymond Thomas scored a 78-yard touchdown on the Pirates first play from scrimmage.
Braden River linebacker Matthew Haftke wraps up a Venice running back.
Braden River sophomore DeShaun Fenwick carries the ball for a first down.
Braden River's Noah Arce and Matthew Haftke congratulate one another following a tackle for loss.
Braden River running back DeShaun Fenwick carries the ball in the first quarter.
Braden River's Jaylin Austin and DeShaun Fenwick celebrate following Fenwick's 6-yard touchdown run.
Braden River senior quarterback Jacob Huesman drops back for a pass in the second quarter.
Braden River running back Raymond Thomas carries the ball for a 31-yard gain in the second quarter.
Braden River linebacker Chase Balliette attempts to wrap up Venice wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh.
Braden River running back Raymond Thomas caught three passes for 49 yards.
Braden River linebacker Paul Wiggins intercepted a pass with 3:26 remaining in the game to preserve the Pirates 30-20 victory against Venice.
Braden River linebackers Matthew Haftke and Paul Wiggins celebrate following a defensive stand in the second half.
Juwaan Jenkins and Chase Knopf celebrate following Jenkins' 4-yard touchdown catch.
Ryan Neuzil and Barrett Farley congratulate Juwaan Jenkins, No. 14, following his 4-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Braden River running back Raymond Thomas scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard carry.
Braden River's Roman Grissett reacts following a Pirates interception late in the fourth quarter.
Braden River's Demetrius Lawson and Chase Balliette congratulate one another following a Pirates interception late in the fourth quarter.
Michael Douglas congratulates linebacker Paul Wiggins following Wiggins' fourth-quarter interception.
Braden River wide receiver Travis Williams celebrates with the crowd as time winds down during the Pirates 30-20 Class 7A-District 11 victory against Venice.
