Sarasota High running back Rod Tullis scored three touchdowns, as the visiting Sailors defeated Lakewood Ranch 42-7 in the preseason kickoff classic Friday night.
The Sailors, who were without head coach Ed Volz who was serving a one-game suspension for practicing twice in one day, scored on five of their first six possessions.
Sarasota quarterback Hunter DeWitt scored on a 1-yard run with 7:08 remaining in the first quarter to give the Sailors an early 7-0 lead. Tullis scored on runs of 3 and 10 yards and DeWitt connected with Austin Leach for a 10-yard touchdown with 6.7 seconds remaining in the first half to give Sarasota a 28-0 halftime lead.
Tullis added a 27-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Lakewood got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when quarterback Jordan Wilson scored from a yard out.
Sarasota responded when Leach ran back the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a score.
Lakewood will open the regular season at home Aug. 31 versus rival Braden River while Sarasota will host Booker in its season opener.
