Braden River High football beats Lakewood Ranch High for eighth-straight year
The Pirates took down the Mustangs 41-23 at home.
By
Ryan Kohn
| 11:14 p.m. September 8, 2023
Braden River junior running back/receiver Yahshua Edwards celebrates after a touchdown against Lakewood Ranch. The Pirates need to score when they have the opportunity in the red zone.
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Braden River High football Head Coach Curt Bradley was glad his team walked away from its game with Lakewood Ranch High with a 41-23 win — the program's eighth-straight win over the rival Mustangs — but he was not satisfied with its performance.
After a fast start had Braden River (2-0) leading 27-6 over the Mustangs (0-3) in the second quarter, the Pirates failed to extend the margin further, instead letting the Mustangs hang around until the fourth quarter. Lakewood Ranch had the ball down 34-23 with 8:22 left in the game and threatened to get within one possession, but the Mustangs turned the ball over on downs. A two-yard touchdown run from junior Marcus Galloway on the ensuing possession sealed the game for Braden River, but Bradley knows his team will have to be better in the weeks ahead.
"I'm still waiting for this team to play a four-quarter game," Bradley said. "Too often there was a lack of focus tonight."
Junior do-it-all player Yahshua Edwards had three rushing touchdowns as well as an 88-yard receiving touchdown from junior quarterback Lucas Despot. The Pirates intercepted Lakewood Ranch senior quarterback Sebastian Mejia three times, with junior Zion Newell turning one into a pick six.
From a Lakewood Ranch perspective, Head Coach Scott Paravicini was happy with the progress his offense made since last week's 41-6 loss against Cardinal Mooney High, but acknowledged that there is still a gap between where the team is and where it wants to be.
"We continue to fight and continue to work hard," Paravicini said. "I keep telling them, we're a puzzle. We're trying to put the pieces together. We put a couple more pieces on the puzzle tonight, but we have a long way to go."
The Mustangs got an early boost from senior Dalin Koscielski, who took a kickoff return 95 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Mejia threw a 25-yard touchdown to sophomore tight end Cooper Orzel in the second quarter. Senior running back Simon Freed had an eight-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Next for Braden River is a road game against Manatee High (3-0) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15, while Lakewood Ranch will play IMG Academy Blue (0-2) on the road at 7 p.m. Sept. 14.
Braden River senior offensive tackle Brody Lind (72) leads the team onto the field carrying a "Pirates Pancakes Patrol" flag, referring to the line's goal of getting pancake blocks.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
The Mustangs take the field against Braden River High.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Pirates Head Coach Curt Bradley said he wants to see his team played a four-quarter game next week instead of losing focus.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Mustangs Head Coach Scott Paravicini said he liked the progress his offense made against Braden River, though acknowledged the team has a long way to go.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River High rising senior kicker Brunno Reus.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River junior quarterback Lucas Despot looks for an open receiver. The Pirates need to score when they have the opportunity in the red zone.
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Lakewood Ranch sophomore tight end Cooper Orzel makes a diving grab against Braden River.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Lakewood Ranch senior running back Simon Freed has captured the starting role after beginning as a back-up. Can he hold onto it?
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Braden River senior defensive back Ryan Peters celebrates after an interception.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River senior Ryan Peters dunks on a miniature hoop on the Pirates' sideline after securing an interception against Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Lakewood Ranch senior quarterback Sebastian Mejia checks with the referees to make sure his team is lined up correctly.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River High then-junior quarterback Lucas Despot threw a touchdown pass to Yahshua Edwards against Lakewood Ranch High in 2023. New Pirates Head Coach Eric Sanders wants Despot to lead more in 2024.
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Braden River High junior Yahshua Edwards (17) leans into a hit from Lakewood Ranch junior defensive back Mike Turner (24) during a 2023 game. Edwards has transferred to Riverview High for the 2024 season.
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Lakewood Ranch senior running back Simon Freed bursts through the Braden River defense. Freed has captured the starting role after beginning as a back-up. Can he hold onto it?
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Braden River High rising senior running back Marcus Galloway.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Lakewood Ranch senior quarterback Sebastian Mejia threw a touchdown to sophomore tight end Cooper Orzel against Braden River.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River junior running back/receiver Yahshua Edwards celebrates after a touchdown against Lakewood Ranch. The Pirates need to score when they have the opportunity in the red zone.
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Braden River junior Brandon Wolf puts a hit on Lakewood Ranch sophomore tight end Cooper Orzel.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Lakewood Ranch senior receiver/defensive back Jayden Munoz (6) breaks free after a catch against Braden River.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River senior tight end Cody Kawcak turns upfield against Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
Braden River senior Jevon Moore (14) lays a hit on Lakewood Ranch senior Tyler Lakin. The Pirates' defense needs to get stops after its offense scores in order to play complementary football.
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Braden River senior linebacker Micah Fedd (33) and sophomore defensive lineman Myles Holmen (99) combine to take down Lakewood Ranch senior running back Teagan Randall.
