As high school football playoffs inch closer, the Ponte Vedra Sharks defeated the Fletcher Senators 40-31 on Friday, Oct. 16. This was a must-win game for the Sharks to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After taking the opening kickoff, the Sharks got on the board first with Noah Ash’s record-setting 55-yard field goal. Fletcher responded with an 80-yard drive to take a 7-3 lead.
Ponte Vedra answered with a long drive of their own to take a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. A 37-yard field goal by Fletcher tied the game at 10-10; however, the rest of the first half was dominated by the Sharks who led 19-10 at halftime.
The second half was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, but in the end, Ponte Vedra was able to end their homecoming week with a victory.
The Sharks received career games from senior running back Alex Winkles and defensive lineman Matt Aker. Winkles rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns, and Akers was a force on defense with 11 tackles and four sacks. Linebacker Joey Muscas also played a strong game on defense with nine tackles. Sharks quarterback Carter Sole also had a strong performance as he completed 16 of 24 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
The Nease Panthers got their fourth win in a row on Oct. 16 as they defeated the Bartram Trail Bears 41-27.
Senior wide receiver Tyshawn Ford had a huge night for the Panthers as he rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Enrique Ordonez also had a big night for Nease as he rushed for 128 yards.
With Ponte Vedra and Nease both coming off wins, the stage is set for one of the biggest rivalries in high school football.
The Sharks and the Panthers will face off on Friday, Oct. 23, at Nease.
