Braden River High football beats Sarasota High 41-14

Braden River High coach Curt Bradley was less than enthused by his team's overall performance in its 41-14 victory against Sarasota High Friday night. 

The final score looks comfortable, and the Sailors never threatened the Pirate defense until late in the third quarter, when the game was no longer in doubt, but Bradley could only shake his head when asked about the the win postgame. 

"We were not buttoned up," Bradley said. "We did not execute like we need to do to win games down the road. We need to make sure our preparation is better and our focus is better. That way, we can execute between the white lines."

One positive for the Pirates was the return of senior defensive leader and University of Missouri verbal commit Tyrone Collins. Collins had missed the entire season because of a torn ACL he suffered during the offseason. Friday night, Collins, normally a defensive back, played outside linebacker, as Bradley wanted him to get involved in run defense. That experiment went well, with Collins laying several big hits on Sailor runners, and Bradley said it's something Collins may continue to do as he gets re-acclimated to game speed. Collins did regain his normal return role on kickoffs and punts. 

Also returning to the field — in more ways than one — was junior quarterback Brian Gagg. He missed last week's win against Palmetto High with a shoulder injury he suffered two weeks ago against Venice High. Gagg, who transferred to the Pirates from Sarasota in the spring, started rocky, but had a strong second half and finished 11-17 for 153 yards and four touchdowns, two to senior wideout Craivon Koonce and two to junior Knowledge McDaniel. McDaniel added 77 yards on the ground.

The Pirates defense forced Sarasota quarterback Tommie Battie IV, formerly of Braden River, into two interceptions, one of which was returned by senior defensive lineman and University of Florida verbal commit Taylor Upshaw for a touchdown. 

Sailors sophomore running back Brian Battie, another former Pirate, led all rushers with 217 yards and two touchdowns.

The game came close to unraveling in the second half. Sarasota coach Brian Ryals was ejected from the game after his team accumulated numerous unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Per Florida High School Athletic Association rules (page A45), Ryals must miss next week's game against Venice.