Rivalries among top East County fall sports events

Each year, the East County high school sports scene has intense games, rivalry matchups and season-swinging outcome games.

With the fall season beginning Aug. 11, fans can mark down these games as can't miss opportunities in the coming weeks and months. 

Here are some games area sports fans should check out this fall:

Braden River High hosts Palm Harbor University in volleyball (Aug. 12, 5 p.m.)

The Braden River High volleyball team lost its first six matches of last season before rounding into form, winning eight of its final 19 matches.

This year’s team will have a tough test right away, and it should give fans an idea of how good the Pirates can be. 

The Pirates host Palm Harbor University, a team that finished last year with a 17-4 record and was ranked as the No. 48 overall team in the state.

If Braden River wins, it could be a match that propels the Pirates to a great season.

Lakewood Ranch High hosts Parrish Community in volleyball (Aug. 19, 7 p.m.)

Not only are Lakewood Ranch and Parrish Community rival schools, but this year’s matchups carry some additional weight.

Judging by last year’s results, the Bulls (14-8) and Mustangs (15-9) are headed into this season as top contenders for the Class 6A District-11 championship. 

The two teams split last year’s home-and-home, with Lakewood Ranch winning the first meeting 3-0 and Parrish winning the second 3-1.

An early win in this year’s matchup would give the victor a significant upper hand in the district, and who doesn’t love a good rivalry?

ODA hosts Imagine School of North Port in volleyball (Sept. 2, 7 p.m.)

The ODA volleyball team graduated just two seniors this past year following a 5-8 season, and returns 10 players from last year’s roster.

This season, the Thunder will play in a three-team district that includes Bradenton Christian (17-10) and Imagine School of North Port (2-11). 

With Bradenton Christian left off this year’s regular season schedule, three matches against Imagine School will determine the Thunder’s district seeding. The first meeting comes on Sept. 2 and will set an early tone for ODA’s postseason positioning. 

Braden River High hosts Lakewood Ranch in football (Sept. 5, 7 p.m.)

Photo by Ryan Kohn

Rivalries take on an added level of passion on the football field, which makes Braden River and Lakewood Ranch’s annual meeting a must-watch. 

The Mustangs pummeled the Pirates 41-3 in last year’s meeting, but Braden River is now in its second year under coach Jason Grain and has added an experienced quarterback in Louisen Desinor.

After losing in blowout fashion last fall, the Pirates will have a chance to reset the narrative in this early-season matchup that could prove pivotal for both teams. 

ODA hosts Saint Stephen’s in football (Sept. 5, 7 p.m.)

The Out-of-Door football team finished 8-1 last season and is returning many of its top playmakers, but it only plays three home games, which makes each one a can’t-miss affair.

Playing Saint Stephen’s adds even more intrigue. 

The two rivals play for the Headmaster’s Cup, and players take the game seriously. 

ODA won last year’s meeting 12-2, and those in attendance could be treated to another close game this time around. If fans miss this game, they’ll have to wait until Oct. 10 for another Thunder home game.

Braden River High plays at Southeast in football (Oct. 17, 7 p.m.)

File photo

It will be a bit of a reunion on both sides of this game.

Former Pirates coach Curt Bradley is now at Southeast and will face his old school for the first time.

New Braden River quarterback Louisen Desinor transferred from Southeast this past spring to join the Pirates.

This game is scheduled in an awkward spot for Braden River — sandwiched between its only two district games — and could prove to be crucial to bolster its regional ranking at the end of the season.

Lakewood Ranch High hosts Parrish Community in football (Oct. 24, 7 p.m.)

This game has it all. 

Not only are the Mustangs and Bulls rival schools, but they also play in the same district.

The Mustangs lost last year’s meeting 35-0 and will be eager for a second chance to be competitive.

To top it off, the timing of this game means that it could be a must-win for Lakewood Ranch’s postseason hopes, putting the stakes as high as possible. 

ODA hosts Seffner Christian (Oct. 10, 7 p.m.)

This is the third and final home football game for ODA this season, and could be one of the best games of the season. 

Seffner Christian went 6-3 last season and had a high-powered offense that averaged 27.5 points per game. 

Last year, Thunder defeated the Crusaders 36-14, and ODA should be well tuned by this point in the season.