LAKEWOOD RANCH (SNN-TV) – A rivalry of two schools separated by just over 5 miles ensues again this week, as Braden River heads to Mustang Stadium to take on Lakewood Ranch.
Last season the Pirates were victorious over Lakewood Ranch 48-16. This year may tell a different story though. Both teams enter this matchup having only played one game, whether it be due to bye weeks or the Florida weather having each team off in week 1. Last week, each team was victorious in their home openers. Braden River was victorious over Palmetto in overtime, 27-20, which was the program’s first overtime game in the 11-year tenure of head coach Curt Bradley, who says the conditioning that proved crucial last week, will be needed this week as well.
“Obviously conditioning is going to be a factor. They’re a spread, air-raid type offense, so they want you chasing them. We’re going to have to make sure that defensively we’re conditioned to play the four quarters and more if needed.” – Curt Bradley, BRHS HC
The attention to the Lakewood Ranch offense is definitely warranted following their barrage of points scored in their 51-23 win over Cardinal Mooney. One of the area’s top running backs. Kevin Everhart, says this Mustangs offense has dialed it up from years past.
“I feel like our offense is way better than last year’s. We have more weapons. We’re more developed as a unit and as an offense.” – Kevin Everhart, LRHS RB
With this rivalry pitting two Manatee County teams off to hot starts, players like Braden River QB Nick Trier and RB Trayvon Pinder , knows this game continues to carry a heavy meaning.
“I have friends that go their, so you know, there’s a lot of trash talk. I really can’t pay attention to that. It means alot, they’re only ten minutes away and its a big rivalry.” – Nick Trier, BRHS QB
“This is a big game for our school, big game for our students. It’s not just us playing out there, it’s the whole Braden River, the whole brand.” – Trayvon Pinder, BRHS RB
But with rivalry comes an abundance of emotion and energy. But pairing both with execution is still of supreme importance according to Mustangs senior receiver Isaac Ashley.
“It’s hard sometimes, because you get in the moment, you get the emotions and all that stuff. It’s hard. You just got to learn, you got to be disciplined, that’s the biggest thing.” – Isaac Ashley, LRHS WR
With each team paired off evenly at seemingly each skill position, Friday’s match-up will be one to account for. It even serves as a measuring stick of competitiveness for Lakewood Ranch HC Rashad West.
“They’re a really good program. We’re just trying to go out and compete, and see how we stack up against them. There will be some fanfare and energy around this game, but it’ll be exciting. It’ll be a good high school football game.” – Rashad West, LRHS HC
Kickoff Friday from Mustangs Stadium is set for 6pm. Also, be sure to tune-in to SNN Friday following our late edition for Friday Football Fever, the exclusive home of High School Football highlights on the Suncoast.
