The Ponte Vedra Sharks scored early and held on late to defeat the Leesburg Jackets 21-18 on Oct. 3 to improve to a record of 4-2 on the season and get them back to their winning ways after a tough loss a week ago.
The Sharks came out pounding the ball and Brian Case broke off several runs throughout the night en route to a 150-plus yard performance that made him the second leading rusher in program history.
It was an accomplishment that showcases the hard work and dedication Case has put forth over the years and further cements his place among the most memorable Sharks’ players of all time.
He also scored a rushing touchdown on the night, which was part of a stretch that included the Sharks putting together three straight scoring drives capped by touchdowns.
Case’s touchdown was sandwiched by a passing touchdown from Drew Price to Cam Tietze, on a perfectly ran slant route that hit Tietze in stride before he broke free into the secondary on his way to the endzone, and a five-yard designed quarterback run for a score by Price to give the Sharks a 21-0 halftime lead.
The defense limited the Jackets to three points well into the fourth quarter, as the front seven held their ground and won the battle in the trenches time and again.
The Jackets continued to try to run the ball, but the Sharks made it very difficult for them as the chunk plays on the ground were very seldom.
“We don’t like running backs,” senior defensive end Ryker Kemp chuckled. “So, we always want to come out here and stop them.”
As a result, the Jackets turned to the passing attack in the second half as they trailed by three touchdowns, which is when the pass rush took over the game, especially late.
The Sharks were unable to add to their lead in the second half, and the Jackets hung around and eventually cut the deficit to three points, 21-18, following a touchdown drive and successful two-point conversion with 1:12 remaining.
Leesburg got the ball back with 41 seconds left and a chance to drive into field goal range, but that was quickly squashed as the Sharks forced a turnover on downs to seal the game and it was Kemp who provided the pressure in the backfield that forced an incomplete pass on fourth and two around midfield.
“I think this front seven works the hardest in Jax and the hardest in Florida,” Kemp said. “We know we’re well prepared, so we just come out here ready to do our thing in the game.”
Next up for the Sharks is a massive district contest at home against the undefeated Middleburg Broncos on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
