High school football is in full swing, and the Nease Panthers got their first win of the season on Friday, Sept. 4, over the Mainland Buccaneers. The Panthers put together a full team effort to earn the 35-33 victory.
Nease’s Enrique Ordonez had 130 rushing yards and one touchdown and senior tight end Chase Phifer picked up 75 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The Panthers defensive line also had a strong night, picking up three sacks.
Nease is now 1-2 and will be at home on Friday, Sept. 11, to take on the Mandarin Mustangs.
The Ponte Vedra Sharks lost a close game to the Merritt Island Mustangs on Sept. 4.
The Sharks looked to be in control early, but in the end the Mustangs rallied to win the contest 45-37.
The first three scores by the Sharks came in the first 15 minutes of the game courtesy of junior quarterback Carter Sole. The first score was a swing pass to running back Alex Winkles from 17 yards out, and the second one was to Trent Player for a 38-yard touchdown.
After a one-hour lightning delay to begin the second quarter, the game’s momentum started to shift over to Merritt Island. After giving up almost 100 rushing yards to the Sharks in the first half, the Mustangs shut down the Shark rushing game in the second half and forced numerous three and outs. The Mustangs scored 28 points in the fourth quarter before the Sharks responded with two touchdowns of their own. In the end, Merritt Island’s defense proved to be too much for Ponte Vedra. Sole continued his strong season with five touchdown passes in the game.
Ponte Vedra will be on the road on Friday, Sept. 11, to take on the Beachside Barracudas.
The Creekside Knights fell to the Fletcher Senators on Sept. 4 with a final score of
27-21. Creekside is now 2-1 and will look to bounce back at home on Sept. 11 against the Tocoi Creek Toros.
