- April 3, 2025
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Sarasota High freshman quarterback Hudson West throws a pass to junior Scotty Wells.
Photo by Ryan KohnSarasota High freshman Ravon Roberts takes a wide receiver reverse against Braden River High.
Photo by Ryan KohnBraden River High sophomore Freedom McDaniel races to the end zone after picking up a Sarasota High fumble.
Photo by Ryan KohnBraden River senior quarterback Lucas Despot gives directions to his wideouts.
Photo by Ryan Kohn
The Sarasota High special teams unit jumps on a Braden River High fumble after a muffed punt return.
Photo by Ryan KohnSarasota freshman quarterback Hudson West rolls to his right, looking for an open receiver.
Photo by Ryan KohnBraden River junior running back Julian Brown takes a carry against Sarasota up the field.
Photo by Ryan KohnBraden River senior quarterback Lucas Despot (1) escapes the pocket on a scramble.
Photo by Ryan KohnBraden River senior Jaron Fields races past Sarasota junior linebacker Tristan Perez on a punt return.
Photo by Ryan KohnBraden River senior Nicholas Nesser (14) and sophomore Freedom McDaniel put a hit on Sarasota freshman Reed Lengel.
Photo by Ryan KohnNeither the Sarasota High nor the Braden River High football team would earn style points for how they played on Friday night.
Yet when the game between the Sailors and the Pirates came to a close, Sarasota celebrated with a Gatorade bath for their head coach, while Braden River could only think about what could have been.
Sarasota (1-1) prevailed 10-6 over Braden River (0-2) on the road, in a game where both defenses dominated. The game's lone offensive touchdown was a five-yard pass from Sarasota freshman quarterback Hudson West to sophomore Chase Fritz in the first quarter. The Sailors would add a 34-yard field goal from Cash Schweid in the second quarter, but were kept off the scoreboard in the second half.
The 10 points were enough. Braden River's only points came on a fumble recovery by sophomore defensive lineman Freedom McDaniel, who scooped up the ball and rumbled 40 yards for a score. The ensuing extra point attempt was blocked. On offense, the Pirates struggled throughout the night. The team's offensive line failed to create many holes in the running game against a stout Sailors front seven, and Pirates senior quarterback Lucas Despot often ran out of the pocket to avoid pressure.
When the Pirates did put together a big play, it was usually called back; the team was called for several holding and illegal man downfield penalties that halted the team's momentum. Braden River finished the game with 156 yards of offense and just six first downs gained.
Braden River will next play Lakewood Ranch High (1-1) on the road at 7 p.m. Sept. 6. Sarasota will next play at Booker High (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6.
