Braden River football races past North Port

With three games in eight days — and potentially four in nine — the Braden River football team hoped its starters would be able to rest a bit against North Port High. 

Consider that wish granted. The Pirates' starters got plenty of rest, playing just the first half of their 52-14 win over the Bobcats.

Braden River led 45-0 at halftime. 

It was the Pirates' Senior Night, and coach Curt Bradley had to balance resting his stars and rewarding his seniors for the work they have put into the program. Senior running back DeShaun Fenwick, who received just five carries in last week's win against Lakewood Ranch High, received a more typical workload against North Port, and made the most of his opportunities. The University of South Carolina verbal commit rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Senior Craivon Koonce also continued his strong play of late, running for a 23-yard touchdown. 

The Pirates passing game stayed as sharp as ever. Junior quarterback Bryan Gagg threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, two to junior Knowledge McDaniel (including a 78-yard bomb with less than 10 seconds to go in the first half) and one to junior Camaron White.

The second half saw Pirates backup players get a chance to make an impact, and sophomore Robbie Goecker took advantage. He had a 44-yard punt return in the first quarter and hauled in a 20-yard touchdown from junior backup quarterback Jake Hepler in the fourth quarter. 

"The kids showed up ready to play," Bradley said. "That's how a Senior Night should go. We're proud of these seniors for everything they have done for the program. This was a good way of showing our appreciation back to them as far as getting everybody in the football game."