PUNTA GORDA (SNN-TV) – The headliner for this week’s slate of games was a no-brainer, being its a rivalry seemingly as old as time!
We travel down to Punta Gorda for our game of the week, the “Peace River Rivalry” between the Port Charlotte Pirates and the Charlotte Tarpons. This year’s match-up is shaping up to be one to watch for many reasons. The age old story of rivalries is built on fierce competition and redemption, and redemption is what Port Charlotte is seeking after their narrow loss last year to the Tarpons, 31-28.
The Pirates led by head coach Jordan Ingman, are taking the field for the first time this regular season, after their Week 1 game with Dunbar was canceled due to Covid-19 concerns. Coach Ingman is entering his 9th season at Port Charlotte, and has a talented group, led by senior defensive lineman Okten Logue who says despite the hype this game receives, he approaches like any given Friday. “There’s a lot of hype to it. But, I just see it as another team on the road, all the important games are down the road…”
The Tarpons, are captained by second year head coach Wade Taylor, who much like Coach Ingman has also seen both sides of the rivalry, as a player and a coach. Taylor and Charlotte enter Friday’s game with a leg up on offense, highlighted at the Running back position with Troi McClary. Last week, against Island Coast, McClary tallied 16 carries, for 162 yards, and two touchdowns. McClary and quarterback Keon Jones look to exploit the Pirate defense by way of familiarity, as both the Tarpons and Pirates run similar defensive schemes, and a little confidence always helps too. “Our defense is set up just like Port Charlotte’s…I think our defensive players are better than their defensive players. So, if I can do it against our defense, I can definitely do it against theirs.”
As for the defense for Charlotte, they’re spearheaded by senior defensive end Nequis Graham, who doesn’t underestimate Port Charlotte, knowing the Tarpons and himself, will need to be firing on all cylinders. “We got to play 100%…as soon as you take a team lightly that’s when you start making mistakes and that’s when you lose.”
Despite the Peace River separating these schools, nothing can separate the excitement from those involved. When you combine the early onslaught of the high school season, with the enstilled competitiveness when facing your local rival, both fan bases can expect a barn burner this Friday. “PC is always a big week. It’s like a playoff game basically. It’s just the people across the river, but, you know we’re going to show out and do what we do.”